Early British interests in Assam were primarily driven by:

The correct answer is: d) All of the above.

Early British interests in Assam were primarily driven by trade and commercial potential, expansionist ambitions, and strategic concerns about neighboring powers.

• Trade and commercial potential: Assam was a rich and fertile land with a long history of trade. The British were interested in the region’s potential for trade in tea, timber, and other commodities.
• Expansionist ambitions: The British East India Company was a powerful trading company that was constantly looking to expand its territory. Assam was seen as a potential new market for British goods and a valuable source of raw materials.
• Strategic concerns about neighboring powers: The British were also concerned about the growing power of neighboring countries, such as Burma and China. They saw Assam as a buffer state that could help to protect British interests in the region.

All of these factors contributed to the British decision to take control of Assam in the early 19th century.