In the context of the economic critique of British imperialism during the late 19th century, who among the following nationalist thinkers propounded the 'Drain of Wealth' theory in his seminal work 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India'?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the Grand Old Man of India, meticulously calculated and articulated the Drain of Wealth theory, demonstrating how unrequited British economic transfers drained India's capital resources without material return. Romesh Chunder Dutt supported this with his economic history analyses, and Ranade championed indigenous industrialization. This critique exposed the structural impoverishment caused by colonial rule.