The condition of the working class during the colonial period in India was shaped by the economic policies of British imperialism, the transformation of traditional industries, the emergence of modern industries, and the changing patterns of labour relations. Colonial rule brought significant changes in the structure of the Indian economy, but these changes largely served British economic interests rather than improving the lives of Indian workers. The working class faced exploitation, low wages, poor working conditions, insecurity of employment, and limited social protection throughout much of the colonial period. Before colonial rule, a large section of the population was engaged in agriculture, handicrafts, and traditional occupations. The British economic policies disrupted many of these existing systems. The decline of indigenous handicrafts, particularly the textile industry, forced many artisans to leave their traditional occupations and move towards agricultural labour or emerging industrial employment. The process of deindustrialisation created a large pool of impoverished workers who had limited opportunities for alternative employment. Many former artisans became wage labourers under conditions that were often harsh and exploitative. The growth of modern industries during the nineteenth century led to the formation of a new industrial working class. The establishment of cotton textile mills in Bombay, jute mills in Bengal, coal mines in eastern India, and railway workshops created new employment opportunities. However, industrialisation under colonial rule was not accompanied by improvements in labour welfare. Industries developed mainly to support colonial economic objectives, such as the export of raw materials and the expansion of British trade networks. Indian