British Economic Impact on India

British colonial rule led to the commercialization of Indian agriculture through the introduction of cash crops, land revenue systems, and agricultural policies designed to benefit British interests. Indian handicrafts actually declined due to British industrial competition, not increased. Indian-owned factories were not encouraged; the British restricted Indian industrial growth and favored their own imports. While some urbanization occurred, it was not rapid in the 19th century and was not a primary result of British rule. The shift toward commercial crops like indigo, cotton, and opium fundamentally transformed Indian agricultural practices. > Colonial economics: Commercialization of agriculture enriched British interests while deindustrializing India.