Correct Option
Assertion (A) states that the first ever Bill to make primary education compulsory in India was rejected in 1911. Gopal Krishna Gokhale introduced the Elementary Education Bill in the Imperial Legislative Council in 1911, which aimed at making primary education compulsory. However, this Bill was formally rejected in March 1912, not in 1911. Therefore, Assertion (A) is false.
Reason (R) states that discontent would have increased if every cultivator could read. The British colonial administration generally viewed widespread mass education with apprehension. They feared that increased literacy, particularly among cultivators and the general populace, would lead to greater political awareness, a demand for rights, and increased discontent against colonial policies, including oppressive land revenue systems and exploitation. This apprehension was a significant factor influencing their reluctance to implement compulsory primary education. Therefore, Reason (R) is true.
Since Assertion (A) is false and Reason (R) is true, option 4 is the correct answer.
Incorrect Options
Option 1 is incorrect because Assertion (A) is false.
Option 2 is incorrect because Assertion (A) is false.
Option 3 is incorrect because Reason (R) is true.