The correct answer is option 'A' - 1850.

India's machine age began in the year 1850. This period marked the introduction and growth of industrialization in the country, with the establishment of various industries and the adoption of modern machinery for production.

- Industrialization in India:
Industrialization refers to the transformation of an economy from primarily agrarian to one based on industrial production and manufacturing. In India, the process of industrialization started during the British colonial rule.

- British Rule and Industrialization:
During the early 19th century, the British East India Company began to establish industries in India. The main objective of these industries was to support the British textile industry by producing raw materials like cotton. This led to the establishment of textile mills in places like Bengal and Bombay.

- Introduction of Machinery:
With the establishment of textile mills, modern machinery was introduced into India. These machines revolutionized the manufacturing process, significantly increasing productivity and efficiency. The use of machinery in textile mills allowed for the mass production of textiles, which were then exported to Britain and other markets.

- Impact on the Indian Economy:
The introduction of machinery had a profound impact on the Indian economy. It led to the growth of large-scale industries, increased production, and employment opportunities. The availability of modern machinery also improved the quality of Indian products, making them more competitive in international markets.

- Expansion of Industries:
The success of textile mills encouraged the establishment of other industries in India. Industries such as iron and steel, jute, sugar, and coal mining began to emerge. These industries further contributed to the industrialization process and the growth of the machine age in India.

- Significance of 1850:
The year 1850 is considered the starting point of India's machine age because it was during this time that the first textile mills were established and modern machinery was introduced on a significant scale. This marked the beginning of India's industrialization journey and the transition from a primarily agrarian economy to a more industrialized one.

In conclusion, the machine age in India started in 1850 with the establishment of textile mills and the introduction of modern machinery. This period brought about significant changes in the Indian economy, leading to industrialization, increased production, and the emergence of various industries.

Considered to be at a peak in the time between the first and second world wars, it forms a late part of the Second Industrial Revolution. By the mid to late 1940s, the atom bomb,the first computers, and the transistor came into being, beginning the contemporary era of Digital Revolution and thus ending the intellectual model of the machine age founded in the mechanical and heralding a new more complex model of high technology.