Final answer:
According to Nehru's observations, British imperialism contributed to the rise of Indian nationalistic movements by causing economic hardships and exploitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Jawaharlal Nehru's observations in The Discovery of India, British imperialism contributed to the rise of Indian nationalistic movements by causing economic hardships and exploitation. Nehru explains that British colonial policies such as deindustrialization and the establishment of a colonial economy in India led to the collapse of Indian industries, unemployment, and low standards of living. Furthermore, British taxation and trade policies favored British goods over Indian goods, which further impoverished the Indian economy. These economic hardships and exploitation sparked a sense of national identity and the desire for self-rule among Indians, leading to the rise of nationalistic movements.