With reference to the period of colonial rule in India, "Home Charges" formed an important part of drain of wealth from India. Which of the following funds constituted "Home Charges"?
- 1.Funds used to support the India Office in London.
- 2.Funds used to pay salaries and pensions of British personnel engaged in India.
- 3.Funds used for waging wars outside India by the British.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Home charges encompassed all expenditures incurred by the British government in Britain on behalf of India. This included the maintenance of the India Office in London, the salaries and pensions of British officials serving in India, and importantly, the costs associated with military campaigns fought by Britain for its imperial interests, even if outside of India. These were all mechanisms through which wealth was transferred from India to Britain, constituting a significant drain.
Source: UPSC gs1 2011