Which strategic thinking of colonial rule is shown by divide and rule policy?

Correct answer: Weakening united resistance by using local divisions

Answer: A. Divide and rule means encouraging or exploiting differences among communities, regions, classes, or groups so that they do not unite against the colonial government. A ruler facing one united movement may find it difficult to maintain control, but divided groups have less common bargaining power. Therefore, colonial authorities could present themselves as protectors of one group against another while preserving their own power. A is correct because it describes the central political purpose of the policy. B is wrong: giving genuinely equal power would reduce, not strengthen, colonial control. C is wrong because the policy aimed to preserve colonial rule, not end it. D is wrong because full local democracy would transfer authority to the people. Memory cue: divide the people, weaken resistance, preserve rule.