Buchanan's journal is full of notes on rocks, such as granite with reddish feldspar, quartz and black mica. What was the main reason behind such close observation of rocks and soil?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → A search for minerals and stones of commercial value to the Company
Option (1) A hunt for old stone inscriptions to date the history of the region — Incorrect. Buchanan studied stones as resources for trade. His notes record strata, granite and mica, with no word on inscriptions.
Option (2) A search for minerals and stones of commercial value to the Company — Correct. The Company wanted natural resources it could control and exploit. So Buchanan looked for minerals and stones that were commercially valuable, such as iron ore, mica and saltpetre.
Option (3) The need to mark the boundary of the Damin-i-Koh for Santhal settlement — Incorrect. The Damin-i-Koh was land given to the Santhals. Marking it had nothing to do with recording feldspar and quartz in rocks.
Option (4) The need to assess zamindari estates for the Permanent Settlement — Incorrect. The Permanent Settlement fixed revenue on zamindari estates. Rock strata had no role in that assessment.
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