Question
Why did the British introduce railways in India? Explain any three reasons.
Answer
The British introduced railways in India for the following reasons:
- Commercial advantage – Railways collected raw material from fields and mines and sent them to the ports to be transported to England for British industries.
- Political aspect – Railways safeguarded the British possessions in different parts of India to enable quick movement of armed forces and administrative convenience.
- Defence aspect – Railways helped the British Defence Forces in India to counter the military attacks of other imperialist countries, who were trying to expand their influence.