This dramatic decrease in India’s GDP can be attributed to years of British colonial rule, during which India’s resources were exploited for the benefit of the British Empire. The British imposed heavy taxes, forced farmers to grow cash crops instead of food crops, and deindustrialized the country, leading to economic stagnation and poverty.

Additionally, the British implemented policies that favored British businesses over Indian ones, leading to the decline of indigenous industries. The draining of wealth from India to Britain during the colonial period further contributed to the significant decrease in India’s GDP.

Overall, the British colonial rule had a devastating impact on India’s economy, leading to a massive decline in its share of the global GDP by the time they left in 1947.