British imperialism had a negative impact on the economy of India because of unfair trading of fabrics, and poverty from forced cash crops. Lalvani claims that both nations benefited greatly from the trading that was established in the 17th century (Lalvani). All though this isn’t true, handwoven fabrics exported from Bengal to Britain had halved in less than 20 years, and then completely stopped 50 years later. This isn't just happening because the demand was low, but because the British were breaking their loom boards and cutting off their fingers, making it impossible to create fabric (Doc #6). The British were physically making it impossible for them to produce or sell any fabric, which makes it not equal trading or equal benefits. Lalvani
