Assertion: There was a lack of all-weather roads in rural areas during colonial times causing significant suffering during natural calamities and famines.

Reasoning: The roads constructed during the colonial period primarily served the military's needs within India and facilitated the transportation of raw materials from rural areas to the nearest railway stations or ports for export to England and other foreign markets.

Both Assertion (A) and reasoning (R) are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

The correct answer is option 1: Both Assertion (A) and reasoning (R) are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

Here's why:

• Assertion (A): The lack of all-weather roads in rural areas during colonial times did indeed cause significant suffering during natural calamities and famines. Poor infrastructure exacerbated the difficulties faced by rural populations.

• Reasoning (R): The roads constructed during the colonial period were primarily focused on military needs and the transportation of raw materials for export. This was a key part of the colonial infrastructure strategy, which did not prioritize the development of roads to improve rural living conditions or aid in times of calamity. T

  Thus, R explains why the Assertion is true.