Give two reasons for industrial stagnation during the British rule in India.

Two reasons for industrial stagnation during the British rule in India were:

1. The British economic policies were against the interest of Indian trade and industry. The English East India Company used its political power to destroy Indian handicraft and industry. India became a source of raw materials for the industries of the company and a market for its finished products. This policy crippled the artisans and craftsmen as they were devoid of their sources of livelihood.
2. The growth of modern industries led to the birth of a new social class in India — the working class. They were exploited by the factory owners, who were generally Englishmen.