What is export surplus? How did it prove disadvantageous to India during the British rule?

Question

Accepted Answer

Excess of exports over imports is called export surplus.

The export surplus during British rule proved disadvantageous to India due to the following reasons:

1. Commodities were not available to Indians but were being exported. Ignoring the domestic needs, goods were being exported for the advantage of Britain.

2. This export surplus was used to fulfill the administrative and war expenses of Britain. This was called the drain of Indian wealth.

3. This export surplus did not lead to any flow of gold and silver into the country.