The phrase "the jewel in the crown" refers to India's status as the most valuable and prized possession of the British Empire during the 19th century. Several factors contributed to this characterisation:

1. Economic Wealth

• Rich Natural Resources: India was rich in valuable resources such as cotton, silk, tea, jute, spices, and precious stones. These resources were crucial for British industries, particularly during the Industrial Revolution, and were highly sought after in global markets.
• Agricultural Output: India's agricultural sector produced a variety of crops, making it a significant source of food and raw materials. The British developed cash crops for export, which were profitable and essential for Britain’s economy.
• Trade Surplus: India contributed significantly to Britain's trade balance, providing a steady supply of raw materials while also serving as a market for British manufactured goods. Please note farmers had to pay 85% taxes prior to harvest, if they did not pay, their land was taken or the were caged in their fields until they died, or paid.

2. Strategic Importance

• Geopolitical Position: India's geographic location made it a vital hub for British interests in Asia. It served as a base for British military operations and a critical point for trade routes to China and the Middle East, particularly for opium trade and tea.
• Naval Power: The British established naval bases in India, enhancing their ability to project power across the Indian Ocean and maintain dominance over trade routes.

3. Cultural and Intellectual Interest

• Cultural Exchange: India’s rich history, diverse cultures, and intellectual traditions fascinated British scholars, artists, and writers. This interest in Indian culture contributed to a broader understanding of the subcontinent and influenced British art and literature.
• Missionary Activity: The British also saw India as an opportunity for missionary work, promoting Christianity and Western education, which they viewed as part of their civilising mission.

4. Political Control and Administration

• Centralised Administration: The British developed a centralised system of governance that allowed them to effectively control a vast and diverse population. This administrative efficiency was seen as a model for managing other colonies.
• Repression of Dissent: The British maintained control through military might and repression of dissent, which allowed them to exploit India's resources with minimal resistance.

5. Infrastructure Development

• Railways and Communication: The British invested in railways, roads, and telegraphs, all at Indian taxpayers expense, that were often 3 times of the normal rates to create these, primarily to facilitate the extraction of resources and the movement of troops, which now are stated as, laid the groundwork for future economic development., at Indian expence.
• Urbanisation: British rule led to the growth of cities and urban centers, transforming India’s economic landscape and making it easier for the British to administer and exploit resources, all paid for by India tax paepayers, who suffered hunger, and loss of revenue. 

6. Symbol of Imperial Prestige

• Cultural Symbolism: India’s richness and diversity became symbolic of the British Empire’s grandeur. The phrase "the jewel in the crown" reflected not only economic value but also the cultural and imperial pride associated with controlling such a vast and complex territory.

Conclusion

India was considered "the jewel in the crown" of the British Empire due to its immense economic value, strategic geopolitical position, and rich cultural heritage. The exploitation of India's resources and the imposition of British rule brought significant wealth and power to Britain, while also leading to profound social, economic, and political changes in India that continue to resonate today. This phrase encapsulates the dual nature of colonialism: the benefits gained by the colonisers at the expense of the colonised. The total desturction of India was £45 trillion within the British coloniisation. This can be cooberated within the British Library with research, and was researched by a US University. You need to look at the cities and social econimic strength, in the United kindom and realise how they became what they are today.

Please remeber this item which is  recorded in the UK Parliament after 2.5 million Indian fought in worlds WII and 1.5 in WWI. " Indians are a beastly people, and should be wiped of the face of the Earth." (Churchill) Of course you can read this quote and many others online.