Introduction:
The Government of India, under British rule, implemented several policies to increase the number of purchasers of British goods in India. One such policy was the pursuit of fresh conquests and direct occupation of protected states.

Explanation:
The British government in India aimed to establish a monopoly over the Indian market and promote the sale of British manufactured goods. To achieve this, they adopted various strategies, including territorial expansion and direct occupation.

Fresh Conquests:
One of the ways the British government sought to increase the number of purchasers of British goods was through fresh conquests. By acquiring new territories and states, they could exert control over the local economy and ensure a market for British goods. Through military campaigns and alliances with local rulers, the British expanded their territorial holdings in India. This allowed them to establish a direct influence over the economic policies and trade practices of these conquered regions.

Direct Occupation of Protected States:
Another strategy used by the British government was the direct occupation of protected states. Protected states were princely states that maintained a degree of autonomy under British suzerainty. By occupying these states, the British government could directly control their economic policies and trade practices. This control enabled them to promote the purchase of British goods by discouraging or limiting the production of indigenous goods.

Impact on Indigenous Manufacture:
The policies of fresh conquests and direct occupation had a significant impact on indigenous manufacture, particularly in the textile industry. The British government actively discouraged the production of Indian cotton goods to promote the sale of British textiles. They imposed high tariffs on Indian textiles, making them less competitive in the market. This led to a decline in the indigenous textile industry, which had been a significant source of employment and economic activity in India for centuries.

Conclusion:
By pursuing a policy of fresh conquests and direct occupation, the British government aimed to increase the number of purchasers of British goods in India. This strategy involved expanding their territorial holdings and exerting control over the economic policies of conquered and protected states. These policies had a detrimental impact on indigenous manufacture, particularly in the textile industry, as the British actively discouraged the production of Indian cotton goods.