Explanations:The rise of Bombay (now Mumbai), Madras (now Chennai), and Calcutta (now Kolkata) as major cities in India is closely tied to the period of British colonial expansion in the 18th century. The British East India Company, which had established a presence in India in the 17th century, began to consolidate its control over various regions and cities in the 18th century. This period saw significant urban development and the establishment of these cities as key centers for trade, commerce, and administration.
Calcutta, for instance, was established as a trading post by the British East India Company in the early 17th century, but it was in the 18th century that it grew into a major city. The Battle of Plassey in 1757, which resulted in the British gaining control over Bengal, marked a turning point in the city's development. Calcutta became the capital of British India in 1772 and continued to grow as a major administrative and commercial center.
Bombay (Mumbai) was ceded to the British East India Company by the Portuguese in 1661 as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza when she married Charles II of England. However, it was in the 18th century that the city began to develop into a major port and commercial center. The British East India Company's control over the region and the establishment of the Bombay Presidency in 1803 further contributed to the city's growth.
Madras (Chennai) was founded by the British East India Company in 1639, but it was in the 18th century that it became a significant trading and administrative center. The city's strategic location on the Coromandel Coast made it an important port for the British, and it grew rapidly during this period.
Thus, the 18th century was a crucial period for the development and rise of these cities as major urban centers in India. The British colonial presence, the establishment of trading posts, and the consolidation of administrative control all contributed to the growth of Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta during this time.