Correct Option
The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The evolution of towns in India is historically classified into Ancient, Medieval, and Modern periods. Modern towns were primarily developed during the colonial era by European powers to serve specific functions such as trade, administration, and military control.
Statement 1 is Correct:
Modern towns in India were developed by the British as well as other European powers, including the Portuguese, French, and Dutch. These colonial powers established urban centers to consolidate their political and economic foothold in the subcontinent.
Statement 2 is Incorrect:
Surat, Daman, and Goa were developed as port towns, not agricultural market towns. The earliest modern towns were established on coastal locations to facilitate maritime trade and serve as trading outposts. Goa and Daman were key Portuguese ports, while Surat was a major trading hub utilized by various European powers.
Statement 3 is Correct:
The British expanded the functional scope of urbanization by establishing:
- Administrative Centres: Major cities like Bombay (Mumbai), Madras (Chennai), and Calcutta (Kolkata) were developed as administrative headquarters.
- Hill Towns: The British established hill stations such as Shimla, Darjeeling, Mussoorie, and Nainital. These towns served as summer capitals, sanatoriums, and recreational retreats for the colonial administration and military.
Key Takeaway:
Modern towns in India originated primarily as coastal port towns for trade and later evolved into administrative centers, cantonments, and hill stations under British rule.