When was the trade through Suez Canal opened for accessing the Indian Market?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) 1869
Explanation:
• The Suez Canal was officially opened for navigation on November 17, 1869.
• It is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea through the Isthmus of Suez.
• The opening of the canal significantly reduced the distance between Europe and India by about 7,000 kilometers, as ships no longer had to sail around the Cape of Good Hope.
• This revolutionized international trade and strengthened the British Empire's economic and political grip over the Indian market.
• It played a crucial role in the commercialization of Indian agriculture by making the export of raw materials more cost-effective.
Information Booster:
• The canal was constructed by the Suez Canal Company between 1859 and 1869 under the leadership of French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps.
• It is one of the world's most heavily used shipping lanes, carrying over 12% of global trade as of 2025.
Additional Knowledge:
(a) 1900 (Option a)
• By this year, the canal had already been operational for over three decades and was the primary route for British trade.
(b) 1890 (Option b)
• During this period, the British had already taken administrative control of Egypt (1882) to secure their interests in the canal.
(c) 1950 (Option c)
• This period is associated with the Suez Crisis (1956) when Egypt nationalized the canal, long after its initial opening.