In a startling revelation backed by historical research, it has come to light that Britain drained a staggering ₹374 lakh crore (approximately $45 trillion) from India during its colonial rule. This enormous economic extraction, which took place between the 18th and mid-20th century, left India impoverished while funding Britain’s industrial and imperial rise.
This figure was first highlighted in a groundbreaking 2019 study by economist Utsa Patnaik, published by Columbia University Press. The study analyzed two centuries of trade data and estimated the wealth transfer through mechanisms such as unfair taxation, forced exports, and systemic exploitation. Britain didn’t just rule India — it ruthlessly looted it.
Loot of Gold, Art, and Culture
Beyond monetary extraction, the British empire also carried off countless priceless Indian treasures — from ancient idols and gold ornaments to manuscripts and art. Most notably, the Kohinoor diamond, once the pride of Indian royalty, was taken and remains part of the British Crown Jewels today. The Sultanganj Buddha, the Amravati Marbles, and thousands of sacred idols and artifacts now sit in British museums like the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
These objects are not mere showpieces; they are symbols of India’s ancient civilisation, religious heritage, and cultural pride. For decades, Indian governments and historians have called for the repatriation of these artifacts, yet many remain locked behind glass in London.
Colonial Oppression and Economic Collapse
The British destroyed India’s thriving textile industry, forced farmers to grow indigo and opium instead of food crops, and imposed crushing taxes. Famines during colonial rule killed millions, while Britain exported food from India even in times of starvation.
“India was the world’s richest economy once. The British reduced it to one of the poorest,” said Shashi Tharoor, an Indian MP and vocal advocate for reparations and artifact return.
Global Demand for Repatriation
There is now growing global support for returning colonial-era loot to their countries of origin. France, Germany, and the Netherlands have already begun repatriating African artifacts. India’s calls for the return of its heritage are gaining traction on the international stage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously requested the return of the Kohinoor, and several independent Indian organizations continue to campaign for the repatriation of sacred idols and heritage objects.
Will India’s Stolen Heritage Ever Return?
As the world re-evaluates the ethics of colonial history, the question remains: Will Britain return what it took? The return of India’s treasures is not just about material wealth — it’s about justice, memory, and healing a centuries-old wound.
