**The First Step Taken by the British Government for the Spread of Modern Education**

The correct answer to the question is option C, 1813. In this answer, we will explain why option C is the correct answer and provide some background information on the spread of modern education in India during British colonial rule.

**Background Information: British Colonial Rule in India**

The British East India Company established its presence in India in the 17th century and gradually gained control over various parts of the country. By the mid-18th century, the company had acquired significant political and economic power in India. This period marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India, which lasted until 1947.

During British colonial rule, the British government implemented several policies and reforms that had a significant impact on various aspects of Indian society, including education. The British saw education as a means to create a class of Indians who would be loyal to British rule and serve as intermediaries between the British and the Indian population.

**The Charter Act of 1813**

The Charter Act of 1813 was a significant legislative enactment passed by the British Parliament that had far-reaching implications for education in India. This act was an amendment to the earlier Charter Act of 1793, which had primarily focused on regulating the activities of the British East India Company.

**Provisions of the Charter Act of 1813**

The Charter Act of 1813 included several provisions related to education in India. Some of the key provisions are as follows:

1. **Grant for Education**: The act granted a sum of one lakh rupees (100,000 rupees) from the British government's revenues in India for the promotion of education in the country. This marked the first direct financial support from the British government for the spread of education in India.

2. **Christian Missionaries**: The act allowed Christian missionaries to enter India and establish educational institutions. The aim was to promote the spread of Western education, along with the propagation of Christianity.

3. **Oriental Learning**: The act also recognized the importance of Oriental learning, which encompassed traditional Indian subjects such as Sanskrit, Arabic, and Persian. To encourage the study of Oriental subjects, the act allocated funds for the establishment of Sanskrit and Arabic colleges in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and Benares (now Varanasi).

**Significance of the Charter Act of 1813**

The Charter Act of 1813 was a significant milestone in the spread of modern education in India. It marked the first official recognition and support from the British government for the promotion of education in the country. The act laid the foundation for the establishment of educational institutions, both Western and Oriental, that played a crucial role in shaping modern education in India.

Furthermore, the act's provisions regarding Christian missionaries had a profound impact on education in India. Missionary schools and colleges played a crucial role in the spread of Western education, including subjects like English, mathematics, and science. These institutions contributed to the emergence of a new class of Indians who were exposed to Western ideas and knowledge.

In conclusion, the first step taken by the British government for the spread of modern education in India was through the Charter Act of 1813. This act provided financial support and established a framework for the establishment of educational institutions, both Western and Oriental. It also allowed Christian missionaries to enter India and play a significant role in the spread of education.