The correct option is (b).
Explanation
The Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) marks the beginning of the modern iron and steel industry in India. Its establishment was based on the Weberian theory of industrial location, prioritizing proximity to raw materials and water sources to minimize costs.Statement 1 is Incorrect: TISCO was established well before India's independence. It was founded in 1907 at Sakchi (present-day Jamshedpur). The production of pig iron began in 1911, and steel production commenced in 1912.
Statement 2 is Correct: The location of Sakchi was strategically chosen because it lies near the confluence of the rivers Subarnarekha and Kharkai. This ensured a continuous water supply, which is critical for the cooling and processing requirements of a steel plant.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Before 1947, the iron and steel industry in India was not extensive. There was only one major integrated steel plant in the country-TISCO. While the Indian Iron and Steel Company (IISCO) and the Mysore Iron and Steel Works (now Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant) were established later, there were only a few units in total, not "dozens."
Key Takeaway: Jamshedpur (Sakchi) was selected for TISCO (1907) due to its proximity to high-grade iron ore (Mayurbhanj and Singhbhum), coal (Jharia), and water from the Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers.