In ancient economic history, cotton for making textiles was first cultivated in which of the following regions of the world?

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your awareness of the origins of cotton cultivation and textile production, which is a favourite topic in both ancient history and economic history of India. Understanding where cotton was first grown and woven on a large scale highlights the technological and cultural achievements of early civilisations, especially the Indus Valley or Harappan civilisation, which occupied parts of present-day India and Pakistan. Many standard history books emphasise that India has a very long and rich tradition of cotton textiles.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about the first cultivation of cotton for textile use, not just the presence of wild cotton plants.
• Options list four major historical regions: Egypt, India, Central America and Mesopotamia.
• We assume standard archaeological and historical consensus about early cotton use.
• The focus is on organised cultivation and spinning or weaving of cotton into cloth.

Concept / Approach:
Archaeological excavations in the Indus Valley sites such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa have revealed evidence of cotton fibres and impressions on clay, suggesting that cotton was not only cultivated but also spun and woven into cloth. Ancient Greek writers even referred to Indian cotton as “wool that grows on trees”. While other regions like Egypt later became famous for linen and cotton, the earliest secure evidence of cotton textiles comes from the Indian subcontinent. Therefore, among the given options, India is recognised as the earliest centre of cotton cultivation and textile production.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Remember that the Indus Valley civilisation, located in the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent, dates roughly from 2600 BCE onwards.Step 2: Archaeologists have found traces of cotton threads and cloth impressions at Harappan sites, showing that people were growing and processing cotton.Step 3: Compare this with Egypt, where linen (from flax) was more prominent in earlier periods, and with Central America and Mesopotamia, where large-scale cotton textile traditions are dated later.Step 4: Based on standard exam-oriented history material, India is usually identified as the first region to cultivate cotton for textiles.Step 5: Select 'India' as the correct answer from the given options.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consulting standard Indian history textbooks or reliable online resources on the Indus Valley civilisation confirms that cotton cultivation and weaving were already practised there. They repeatedly state that India was one of the earliest, if not the earliest, centres of cotton textiles. In exam questions framed this way, India is the accepted correct choice. This provides a strong verification for our selection.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Egypt: Although Egypt later produced cotton, in ancient times it was more closely associated with linen. The earliest clear cotton textile evidence is stronger for India.Central America: Cotton was known in parts of the Americas, but the question expects the classical exam answer which gives priority to India for earliest cultivation for textiles.Mesopotamia (Iraq region): Famous for early agriculture and cities, but not regarded as the first centre of cotton textile production in standard exam references.

Common Pitfalls:
One common mistake is to associate Egypt with all ancient textiles because of its famous mummies and linen wrappings, leading students to pick Egypt by guesswork. Another error is to underestimate the technological advancement of the Indus Valley civilisation and to think of India as a later or less advanced region. Remember that for cotton specifically, India has extremely old and strong evidence of cultivation and weaving. When confused, link cotton textiles with Harappan civilisation and choose India in such questions.

Final Answer:
Cotton for textile use was first cultivated in the region of ancient India.