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Economics · 2026 · 4 marks
CBSE 2026 · Region 3 · Set 1 · Q32
Study the given image carefully and answer the questions that follow. (i) Identify the artificial waterway during colonial rule that served as a…
Study the given image carefully and answer the questions that follow.
(i)
Identify the artificial waterway during colonial rule that served as a highway between India and Britain.
(ii)
In which year was this artificial maritime route officially opened for international navigation ?
(iii)
Describe the economic significance of artificial waterways between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.
Marking-scheme solution
(i)
The Suez Canal.
(ii)
The Suez Canal was officially opened for international navigation in 1869.
(iii)
Opening up of the Suez Canal provided a direct and shorter trade route for ships operating between Britain and India and avoided the need to sail around Africa, thereby reducing around $\displaystyle 5,100$ miles of travel. Thus, it intensified British control over India’s foreign trade as it reduced the cost of transportation and made access to the Indian market easier.
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CBSE Class 12 Economics past-paper question from the 2026 board exam, with the answer as CBSE’s own marking scheme gives it. Where our answers come from.