Question

Coal mining started at Raniganj in West Bengal in:
A. 1700
B. 1765
C. 1774
D. 1779

Answer 1

Hint: Raniganj coalfield is located in West Bengal. It heralded an era of industrialization in this region. It was founded by John Summer and Suetonius Grant Health of the British East India Company. This coalfield remained a fundamental supplier of coal in India for the most part of the 20th century.

Complete step by step answer:
A. 1700: The Mughals ruled India from 1556 to 1707. During this period the Mughals were extremely weak. This gave the way for the British to establish their dominance over the country. Numerous local and foreign power tried to exert their dominance over the country during the period,
B. 1765: The British rule started in India, and the Treaty of Allahabad was ratified after the Battle of Buxar in 1964 which helped the British establish a greater presence in the country. It was signed between Shah Alam II and Robert Clive.
C. 1774: In this year, the first coal mining operation was undertaken by the Sumner and Heatly of the East India company. It was the first commercial breakthrough of the Raniganj Coalfield. The demand for coal remained sluggish in the first few years but eventually increased due to the invention of locomotives.
D. 1779: This year was the year of the Battle of Wadgaon fought between the Maratha Empire and the British East India company. Also, known as the First Anglo-Maratha War.
So, the correct answer is Option C.

Note: The first mining of coal was in 1774, under Warren Hastings time. John Summer and Suetonius Grant Heatly came to India to work for the coalfield projects. Coal was exploited and mining operations started in a disorganized manner.