Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Modern India: Colonial cities

Question:

The trade of which of the following item helped to integrate Bombay's economy directly into Malwa, Rajasthan and Sind during British rule?

Options:

Cinchona

Rosewood

Sandalwood

Opium

Correct Answer:

Opium

Explanation:

Bombay was initially seven islands. As the population grew, the islands were joined to create more space and they gradually fused into one big city. Bombay was the commercial capital of colonial India. As the premier port on the west coast, it was the centre of international trade.
By the end of the nineteenth century, half the imports and exports of India passed through Bombay. One important item of trade was opium that the East India Company exported to China. Indian merchants and middlemen
supplied and participated in this trade and they helped integrate Bombay's economy directly into Malwa, Rajasthan and Sind where opium was grown.
This collaboration with the Company was profitable and led to the growth of an Indian capitalist class.
Bombay's capitalists came from diverse communities such as Parsi, Marwari, Konkani Muslim, Gujarati Bania, Bohra, Jew and Armenian.