Capitalism emerged due to:
A. American Exploration of the world.
B. growth in science and technology
C. European plunder of wealth and resources.
D. Surplus labour

Only B and C

The correct answer is Option 3: Only B and C.

Statement A: American Exploration of the world — Incorrect. Capitalism emerged mainly through European exploration and expansion, not American exploration. European voyages opened new trade routes and access to resources from different parts of the world.

Statement B: Growth in science and technology — Correct. Developments in science and technology contributed to industrial growth, improved production methods and supported the expansion of capitalism.

Statement C: European plunder of wealth and resources — Correct. European colonial expansion involved the extraction of wealth and resources from other regions, which contributed to the growth of Western capitalism.

Statement D: Surplus labour — Incorrect. The availability of surplus labour was not a major factor responsible for the emergence of capitalism. Capitalism developed mainly through expansion of trade, technological changes, colonial exploitation and changes in production systems.

NCERT: Capitalism in the west emerged out of a complex process of European exploration of the rest of the world, its plunder of wealth and resources, an unprecedented growth of science and technology, its harnessing to industries and agriculture. Western colonialism was inextricably connected to the growth of western capitalism.