What drew European powers to India?
European powers were drawn to India primarily because of her great wealth and economic prosperity.
India was a vibrant economic powerhouse contributing at least one-fourth of the world GDP until the 16th century.
Indian goods like spices, cotton, ivory, gems, sandalwood, teakwood, and wootz steel were highly sought after.
European powers sought access to new natural resources, new markets, new trade routes, and opportunities for plunder and territorial expansion.
Explanation
The chapter explains in the section 'EUROPEANS IN INDIA' that 'India traded with the Greeks and the Romans over two millennia ago' and 'Indian goods — spices, cotton, ivory, gems, sandalwood, teakwood, wootz steel, among other commodities — were highly sought after.' It also notes that 'this economic prosperity also made India an attractive target for European colonial ambitions.' The section 'THE AGE OF COLONIALISM' further explains that European powers were motivated by 'access to new natural resources, new markets and new trade routes — and, often, plunder.'
Solution Steps
European powers were drawn to India because of her great wealth and economic prosperity
India contributed at least one-fourth of the world GDP until the 16th century
Indian goods like spices, cotton, ivory, gems, sandalwood, teakwood, and wootz steel were highly sought after
European powers sought natural resources, markets, trade routes, and opportunities for plunder and territorial expansion