Question

Which of the following statements is true about Colonialism in India?

• A. Parochialism gave birth to Colonialism in India.
• B. Colonialism gave birth to Nationalism in India.
• C. Urban poor were the main carriers of Nationalism in Colonial India.
• D. Capitalist economic changes in India were not related to Colonialism.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Analyzing the options regarding Colonialism in India from the lens of Sociology: 

• Parochialism gave birth to Colonialism in India. Parochialism, characterized by a narrow-minded focus on local concerns, is not the root cause of Colonialism; rather, economic and political strategies of foreign nations led to Colonialism in India.
• Colonialism gave birth to Nationalism in India. This statement is true. The struggles and exploitation under Colonial rule led to a rise in Nationalism, as Indians sought independence and unity against foreign rule.
• Urban poor were the main carriers of Nationalism in Colonial India. Although urban groups played a role, Nationalism was significantly supported by a wide range of social classes including the educated and middle class.
• Capitalist economic changes in India were not related to Colonialism. Capitalist changes, particularly through exploitation and resource extraction, were directly tied to Colonial policies and agendas.

The correct statement is: Colonialism gave birth to Nationalism in India.

Answer 2

The correct answer is Option 2: Colonialism gave birth to Nationalism in India. Colonial rule in India contributed significantly to the rise of Indian Nationalism. The oppressive policies of the British government, economic exploitation, and social and cultural suppression led to a growing awareness of the need for independence among Indians, eventually giving rise to the Indian Nationalist Movement.

Let's review the options:

1. Parochialism gave birth to Colonialism in India - This is incorrect. Parochialism refers to narrow or limited interests, which did not give birth to colonialism. Colonialism in India was driven by the British desire for economic exploitation and political control, not by parochialism.

2. Colonialism gave birth to Nationalism in India - This is the correct answer. The British colonial rule in India led to widespread dissatisfaction, which fueled the growth of Indian Nationalism. The exploitation and unjust policies of the British, including economic, political, and social oppression, contributed to the rise of nationalist leaders and movements.

3. Urban poor were the main carriers of Nationalism in Colonial India - This is incorrect. While the urban poor did participate in nationalist movements, the primary carriers of nationalism were the educated middle class, social reformers, and political leaders who were motivated by the need for independence and social justice.

4. Capitalist economic changes in India were not related to Colonialism - This is incorrect. Capitalist economic changes in India were closely linked to colonialism. British colonial policies helped establish a capitalist economy in India, where raw materials were extracted from India for the benefit of Britain, and India became a market for British manufactured goods.

Thus, the correct answer is Option 2: Colonialism gave birth to Nationalism in India.