Who wrote the book 'A History of British India'?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

"A History of British India" is a monumental work written by the Scottish historian and philosopher James Mill, published in 1817. This book is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it was one of the most influential works on India in the early 19th century, shaping British perceptions and policies towards the subcontinent for decades. Mill, a prominent utilitarian thinker, viewed Indian society and culture through a critical lens, often portraying it as static and in need of British intervention for progress. His work, despite its biases, served as a foundational text for British administrators and scholars dealing with India. It also played a crucial role in the development of colonial discourse and the justifications for British rule.

The incorrect option is 2: Jawahar Lal Nehru.
Jawahar Lal Nehru was a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement and the first Prime Minister of India. While he was a prolific writer, known for works such as "The Discovery of India" and "An Autobiography," he did not write "A History of British India." His writings primarily focused on Indian nationalism, history from an Indian perspective, and his political philosophy.

The incorrect option is 3: Jaswant Singh.
Jaswant Singh was a notable Indian politician and a former Union Minister. He authored several books, primarily on Indian politics, foreign policy, and history, such as "Jinnah: India, Partition, Independence." However, "A History of British India" is not among his works. His contributions to literature are rooted in a more contemporary understanding of Indian political history.

The incorrect option is 4: William Shakespear.
William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. He lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, long before the period of extensive British colonial rule in India and the publication of "A History of British India." His works are primarily plays and sonnets, not historical accounts of British India.