Here's why:
* Economic Significance: India was incredibly wealthy, generating significant revenue for the British Empire through its vast resources like tea, cotton, and opium. This revenue was crucial for funding British expansion and military ventures.
* Strategic Importance: India was also strategically important as a key naval base and trading hub, controlling vital trade routes in Asia.
* Symbolic Value: India's vast population, cultural richness, and historical significance made it a symbol of British imperial power and a source of national pride for the British people.
While there was no specific jewel referred to, the metaphor of a "jewel" emphasized India's immense value and importance to the British Empire. The term "jewel" conveyed the idea of preciousness, beauty, and desirability, encapsulating the various reasons why India was so significant to Britain.