CAT 2023 Question Paper | VARC Slot 1

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Question 24 : The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
Colonialism is not a modern phenomenon. World history is full of examples of one society gradually expanding by incorporating adjacent territory and settling its people on newly conquered territory. In the sixteenth century, colonialism changed decisively because of technological developments in navigation that began to connect more remote parts of the world. The modern European colonial project emerged when it became possible to move large numbers of people across the ocean and to maintain political control in spite of geographical dispersion. The term colonialism is used to describe the process of European settlement, violent dispossession and political domination over the rest of the world, including the Americas, Australia, and parts of Africa and Asia.

Explanatory Answer

The paragraph given states that colonialism is not a modern phenomenon but one that changed decisively in the sixteenth century due to technological developments in navigation, which enabled Europeans to establish settlements and exert political domination over the rest of the world.

Option D is the best of the given summaries.

Option A talks specifically about 'British' settlements, whereas the paragraph refers more generally to European settlements.

Option B refers specifically to 'European colonialism' and does not touch upon the idea that colonialism as such is not a modern phenomenon or one restricted to Europe.

Option C is incorrect as it states that colonialism was conceptualized in the 16th century.

The answer is 'Technological advancements in navigation in the 16^th century, transformed colonialism, enabling Europeans to establish settlements and exert political dominance over distant regions.'

Choice D is the correct answer.