History is full of examples of the annexation of foreign territory and the domination of weaker by stronger powers. Yet a clear difference is drawn between the empire building of which two periods?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Pre-capitalist times and capitalist times
Option (1) Pre-capitalist times and capitalist times — Correct. Despite the long history of annexation, empire building of pre-capitalist times differs deeply from that of capitalist times. Earlier conquerors took tribute; capitalist British colonialism changed the economic base for profit.
Option (2) Ancient times and medieval times — Incorrect. Ancient and medieval are periods marked by date. The difference drawn here rests on the economic system behind an empire, and both these periods were pre-capitalist.
Option (3) Pre-colonial times and post-colonial times — Incorrect. Post-colonial times come after colonial rule ends, so there is no empire building in them to compare. The contrast is between empires before and under capitalism.
Option (4) Monarchical times and democratic times — Incorrect. Monarchy and democracy are forms of government. The contrast here is economic: whether a conqueror only took tribute or reshaped production for capitalism.
NCERT (2026-27): “1.1 Understanding Colonialism … |