Question

The basic purpose behind developing infrastructure such as railways, ports and telegraphs during colonial rule was to:

Options

• Serve British interests, not for the welfare of Indian people

• Encourage industrialisation and urbanisation in India

• Provide free transport and communication to Indian farmers

• Promote balanced regional development within India

Answer 1

Colonial infrastructure — railways, ports, water transport, posts and telegraphs — was built to serve British interests, not for the welfare of Indian people. Its design and expansion were dictated by the commercial and administrative needs of the colonial rulers.