Final answer:
Britain termed India the "jewel in the crown" because of its abundant resources and large market for British goods, which made it extremely valuable to the empire. The colonization led to significant cultural changes and ultimately sowed the seeds for Indian nationalism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Britain considered India to be the "jewel in the crown" of the British Empire for several reasons. India was an immensely valuable colony due to its vast resources of raw materials like cotton, tea, and spices, which were essential for British industries and commerce. The British East India Company initially established trade and later direct control over India, and after the Sepoy Rebellion of 1857, India was placed under the direct rule of the British Crown, becoming the British Raj. India provided a substantial market for British goods and was strategically important for expanding British influence in Asia.
The British saw India's potential for industrialization, due to its large merchant and artisan classes and its previous export prowess in textiles. British colonization changed India's economy, turning the subcontinent into a provider of raw materials for British factories, while Indian consumers had to purchase British manufactured products. The British also brought about significant cultural and educational influence, grooming the upper castes of society in the English language and customs, which ultimately led to the formation of an Indian elite that contributed to the rising call for self-rule and Indian nationalism.