2015 · Q40
The interest of the British Government of India in Afghanistan in the nineteenth century came about in order to
General KnowledgeHistory of India
- Amake use of the natural resources of Afghanistan.
- Bensure that the Russian empire did not have an influence over Afghanistan.
- Cincrease the reach of the British Empire.
- Destablish a monopoly over the markets of Afghanistan.
Explanation
Nineteenth-century British interest in Afghanistan was driven by the 'Great Game' — the strategic rivalry with Tsarist Russia — to ensure that the Russian empire gained no influence over Afghanistan and thus no route toward India. Exploiting Afghanistan's natural resources, extending the empire generally, or monopolising its markets were not the motives. The answer is B.