Why was India called “The Crown Jewel” of the British Empire?

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Why was India called “The Crown Jewel” of the British Empire?

**A. Before Imperialism**

Before the Age of Imperialism, the British East India Company (1600–1858) was a private company granted a trade monopoly with the East Indies by Queen Elizabeth I. Its success eventually led to its de facto control over much of India. Europeans originally went to India to get Indian spices and Indian tea, which were very valuable for their rarity. India was referred to as the “Crown Jewel” of the British Empire because of this. However, Europeans became more interested in India later when they realized that India could be a very effective trading post. Europeans had a lot to trade because of the excess of products they had because of the Industrial Revolution. This led to India becoming a colony of Britain (a distant area under the control of another country).

**Map Explanation:**

The map displayed illustrates the Eastern Hemisphere, highlighting continents and regions such as Europe, Asia, and part of Africa. This visual aids in understanding the geographical context of the British East India Company's activities and trade routes during the era, emphasizing the strategic location of India in global trade networks.
Transcribed Image Text:**A. Before Imperialism** Before the Age of Imperialism, the British East India Company (1600–1858) was a private company granted a trade monopoly with the East Indies by Queen Elizabeth I. Its success eventually led to its de facto control over much of India. Europeans originally went to India to get Indian spices and Indian tea, which were very valuable for their rarity. India was referred to as the “Crown Jewel” of the British Empire because of this. However, Europeans became more interested in India later when they realized that India could be a very effective trading post. Europeans had a lot to trade because of the excess of products they had because of the Industrial Revolution. This led to India becoming a colony of Britain (a distant area under the control of another country). **Map Explanation:** The map displayed illustrates the Eastern Hemisphere, highlighting continents and regions such as Europe, Asia, and part of Africa. This visual aids in understanding the geographical context of the British East India Company's activities and trade routes during the era, emphasizing the strategic location of India in global trade networks.
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