Question

Why was india called the "jewel in the crown" of great britain?

Answer 1

Because it was the most populous and valuable colony

Answer 2

India had all sorts of goods that the British wanted. These included things like spices, textiles, cotton, and the opium that the British would sell in China to be able to buy tea. Because India had so many people and so much wealth, it was the "jewel in the crown" of the British Empire.