Growing cash crops such as cotton & tobacco
If you mean middle eastern countries the problem with them gaining independence is that they govern solely based on religion (or Shariah law). This limits freedom of expression. An example of this is that if you're gay, or don't subscribe to the Muslim religion you are executed. In extreme cases such as the middle east it can be a very cruel religion. That's why it's so controversial. You should also check out the youtuber Eazyonme. He used to live in Pakistan, which is a Muslim country and speaks about the messed up stuff that goes down there because of Shariah Law. I hope this helped you.
They refrained from doing drugs and eating meat, but the vegetarian part depends on what region the Buddhists were in
