What was the two-fold motive behind the systematic de-industrialisation effected by the British in pre-independent India?
The British colonial government pursued a policy of systematic de-industrialisation in pre-independent India with a two-fold motive.
First, the intention was to reduce India to the status of a mere exporter of important raw materials for the upcoming modern industries in Britain. This ensured a steady and cheap supply of raw materials for British industries.
Second, the motive was to turn India into a sprawling market for the finished products of those industries. This ensured that the continued expansion of British industries could be achieved to the maximum advantage of their home country — Britain.
Explanation
The answer is directly drawn from the textbook context which explicitly states the two-fold motive: (1) making India a supplier of raw materials, and (2) converting India into a consumer of British finished goods. Both motives served British economic interests.