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Question

Which one of the following British firms was taken over by Soorajmull-Nagarmull group?

This question was previously asked in
CDS II 2021 General Knowledge Previous Year Paper (14-Nov-2021)
The correct answer is

McLeod

Understanding British Firms and Indian Takeovers

The question asks about a specific British firm that was acquired by the Soorajmull-Nagarmull group, a prominent Indian business house.

Identifying the correct firm requires knowledge of historical business acquisitions involving Indian groups taking over British interests in India, particularly in sectors like jute, tea, and coal, which were common areas for such takeovers.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the provided options:

  • McLeod
  • Octavius Steel
  • Davenport
  • Andrew Yule

These were all significant British managing agency houses or firms operating in India during the colonial and post-colonial periods.

Identifying the Correct Acquisition

Historically, the Soorajmull-Nagarmull group was known for its extensive business activities and acquisitions. Research confirms that the Soorajmull-Nagarmull group, founded by Seth Soorajmull Jalan and later expanded by his son Seth Nagarmull Jalan, acquired several companies over time. One notable takeover involved a major British managing agency house.

Among the given options, McLeod was a British managing agency house with diverse interests, including jute, tea, engineering, and railways. Historical records indicate that the Soorajmull-Nagarmull group acquired the McLeod group of companies.

Summary of Options and Correct Answer

Based on historical business information, the British firm taken over by the Soorajmull-Nagarmull group was McLeod.

British Firm Taken Over by Soorajmull-Nagarmull?
McLeod Yes
Octavius Steel No
Davenport No
Andrew Yule No (Andrew Yule remained a major entity, eventually becoming a public sector undertaking in India)

Therefore, the correct answer is McLeod.

Revision Table: Indian Business Groups and Takeovers

Indian Business Group Notable Acquisitions/Interests Associated Sector(s)
Soorajmull-Nagarmull Group McLeod Group (Jute, Tea, etc.) Diversified (Jute, Tea, Coal, Engineering)
Birlas Numerous Jute Mills, Textile Mills, etc. Diversified (Jute, Textiles, Cement, Paper, etc.)
Dalmias British India Corporation, etc. Cement, Paper, Sugar, etc.

Additional Information: Soorajmull-Nagarmull and McLeod

The Soorajmull-Nagarmull group played a significant role in the Indian economy, particularly after independence, as Indian entrepreneurs began acquiring assets previously held by British firms. The takeover of the McLeod group by Soorajmull-Nagarmull was one such instance, reflecting the changing landscape of Indian business ownership.

McLeod & Co. was a prominent British managing agency house based in Calcutta (now Kolkata). Managing agencies were a common form of business organization during the British Raj, controlling a wide array of companies across different sectors.

Understanding these historical takeovers helps illustrate the economic transition in India and the rise of indigenous business houses.

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