2022 · Q97
The British policy towards Afghanistan in the first half of the 19th century aimed at
General KnowledgeHistory of India
- AStrengthening Afghanistan as a buffer against Russia.
- BWeakening Russian influence in Afghanistan but not promoting a strong Afghanistan either.
- CPromoting Russian influence in Afghanistan to control insurgent tribal-leaders.
- DAnnexing Afghanistan as a directly-controlled British Territory.
Explanation
In the first half of the 19th century, Britain sought to check Russian influence in Afghanistan without building up a strong Afghan state that could threaten India - the 'masterly inactivity' versus forward policy debate centred on a weak buffer. Britain did not aim to strengthen Afghanistan, promote Russian influence, or annex it outright. Hence Britain aimed at weakening Russian influence without promoting a strong Afghanistan.