1831 the first railroad system is proposed, but never built

1853 the great peninsula railway from Mumbai to thank is completed
1857 a rebellion of Hindu and Muslim sepoys and civilians ends British east India company rule; the British raj is created
1867 the first weekly mail service is established between Mumbai and England
1870 the East Indian railway and the great Indian peninsula railway lines connect, expanding trade throughout India
1874 mass expansion of passenger traffic creates third and fourth classes for Indian passengers
1881 the first hill railways are completed, opening Darjeeling to trade and tourism
1901 almost 25,000 miles of railway are completed across India

Which argument is best supported by the timeline?
A. • Railway expansion undermined class divisions, leading to greater equality between British colonizers and Indians.
B. • Railway expansion was focused on connecting large urban centers, NOT more isolated rural areas.
C. • Railway expansion facilitated trade and tourism across India.
D. • Railway expansion was limited to the movement of economic goods, not passengers.

C. • Railway expansion facilitated trade and tourism across India.

The best argument supported by the timeline is:

C. • Railway expansion facilitated trade and tourism across India.

The argument best supported by the timeline is C. • Railway expansion facilitated trade and tourism across India.

Explanation:
- The timeline mentions the completion of the Great Peninsula Railway in 1853, connecting Mumbai (formerly Bombay) to Thane. This indicates that railway expansion aimed to connect major urban centers.
- The timeline also notes the connection of the East Indian Railway and the Great Indian Peninsula Railway lines in 1870, expanding trade throughout India. This suggests that railway expansion played a crucial role in facilitating trade across the country.
- The completion of the first hill railways in Darjeeling in 1881 further supports the argument as it indicates the expansion of railways for tourism purposes, opening up a popular destination for trade and travel.
- Finally, the timeline states that by 1901, almost 25,000 miles of railway were completed across India, emphasizing the extensive reach of the railway system and its potential to facilitate trade and tourism.

Therefore, based on the information provided in the timeline, the argument best supported is C. • Railway expansion facilitated trade and tourism across India.