Choose the most appropriate phrase from the options given below to complete the following sentence.
India is a post-colonial country because _________.
A. it was a former British colony
B. Indian Information Technology professionals have colonized the world
C. India does not follow any colonial practices
D. India has helped other countries gain freedom
GATE 2014 · General Aptitude · Most Appropriate Word · easy
Answer: A. it was a former British colony
Define post-colonial: The word 'post-colonial' is a compound: 'post-' (after) + 'colonial' (relating to a colony). A post-colonial country is one that was a colony and has since gained independence.
Match meaning to options: Option A says India was a former British colony — this directly gives the historical fact that makes India post-colonial. Options B, C, D use 'colonial' in non-standard or metaphorical ways that do not explain the label.