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The three Presidency cities Madras, Calcutta, Bombay were originally:
  • a)
    Fishing and weaving villages
  • b)
    Commercial cities
  • c)
    Power centre of native rulers
  • d)
    Abandoned locations
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
The three Presidency cities Madras, Calcutta, Bombay were originally:...
**Explanation:**

The three Presidency cities, Madras (now Chennai), Calcutta (now Kolkata), and Bombay (now Mumbai), were originally fishing and weaving villages.

**Fishing villages:**

- Madras: Madras was originally a small fishing village called Chennapatnam. It was located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal and was known for its abundance of fish.

- Bombay: Bombay was originally a group of seven islands inhabited by fishing communities. The islands were named after the goddess Mumbadevi and were primarily used for fishing and trading.

**Weaving villages:**

- Calcutta: Calcutta was originally a small village called Kalikata, which was known for its weaving industry. The village was located on the banks of the Hooghly River and was famous for its muslin and silk fabrics.

**Transformation into commercial cities:**

Over time, these fishing and weaving villages transformed into major commercial cities due to various factors such as colonial trade, industrialization, and urbanization.

- Madras: Madras became a prominent trading center during the British colonial period. The British East India Company established a factory in the area in 1639, which later grew into the city of Madras. The city became a major hub for trade, particularly in textiles and spices.

- Bombay: Bombay grew rapidly as a commercial city under British rule. The British East India Company leased the islands of Bombay from the Portuguese in 1668 and developed it into a major port and trading center. The city's strategic location and natural harbor made it an important center for maritime trade.

- Calcutta: Calcutta became the capital of British India in 1772 and emerged as a major commercial and administrative center. The city's location on the banks of the Hooghly River and its proximity to the Ganges Delta made it an ideal port for trade. Calcutta became a center for the East India Company's operations and witnessed significant economic growth during the colonial period.

In conclusion, the three Presidency cities of Madras, Calcutta, and Bombay were originally fishing and weaving villages that transformed into major commercial cities due to factors such as colonial trade and urbanization.
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Community Answer
The three Presidency cities Madras, Calcutta, Bombay were originally:...
  • The three big colonial cities Madras (Chennai), Calcutta (Kolkata) and Bombay (Mumbai), all three were originally fishing and weaving villages.
  • Bombay was given to the Company in 1661 by the English king, who had got it as part of his wife’s dowry from the king of Portugal. The Company established trading and administrative offices in each of these settlements.
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The three Presidency cities Madras, Calcutta, Bombay were originally:a) Fishing and weaving villagesb) Commercial citiesc) Power centre of native rulersd) Abandoned locationsCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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