the british rule in india, the so-called "raj", lasted from 1858 until 1947. during that period the british modernized the country, but completely decimated its economy. just to give an example: in 1700, india was the world’s richest country, accounting for some 27% of global gdp. but in 1947, when india achieved its independence, india had been reduced to one of the world’s poorest countries, with just over 3% of global gdp. the british took over thriving industries - such as textiles, shipbuilding and steel - and destroyed them through force, taxes, import duties and the imposition of their exports and products on the backs of indian consumers. during the late 17th and 18th centuries, indian cotton was widely exported to western countries to meet the needs of european industries during the industrial revolution. hence there was no industrial revolution in india.