State and explain any two main causes behind infrastructural development by British rule.

Question :State and explain any two main causes behind infrastructural development by British rule.

The correct answer is -The British colonial rule in India brought about significant changes in the country’s infrastructure, and there were several reasons behind their focus on infrastructural development. Some of the main causes were:

1. Facilitating trade and commerce: The British aimed to establish an extensive network of transport and communication infrastructure, including roads, railways, ports, and telegraph lines, to facilitate trade and commerce. The development of these infrastructure facilities helped to connect different parts of the country and facilitate the movement of goods and people.

2. Consolidation of British rule: The British believed that the development of infrastructure would help in the consolidation of their rule in India. By developing a network of transport and communication infrastructure, the British were able to establish greater control over the country, and this helped them to suppress local rebellions and maintain law and order.

3. Promoting modernisation: The British believed that the development of infrastructure would promote modernisation and bring India closer to the West. They saw India as a backward country and believed that the development of infrastructure would help in bringing the country up to par with the West.

4. Military considerations: The British also developed infrastructure for military purposes. They built roads, railways, and telegraph lines to facilitate the movement of troops and supplies and to help them control any rebellions or uprisings.

Overall, the development of infrastructure by the British had both positive and negative consequences. While it helped to facilitate trade and commerce and modernise the country, it also had a significant impact on the lives of ordinary people, many of whom were forced to work on these projects under difficult and exploitative conditions. Additionally, the infrastructure was often developed for the benefit of the British colonial administration and did not always serve the interests of the local population.