Correct answer: (b) He was the Principal of Lahore College, Lahore.
Explanation
- A
He was the Principal of Government College, Dacca.
This option claims that William A.J. Archbold served as the Principal of Government College, Dacca. Historical records confirm his tenure in this educational institution. Therefore, this statement is factually correct.
- B
He was the Principal of Lahore College, Lahore.
This option claims that William A.J. Archbold was the Principal of Lahore College, Lahore. However, he never held the principalship of this specific institution. Thus, this statement is not correct and serves as the official key.
- C
He was the Principal of MAO College, Aligarh.
This option claims that William A.J. Archbold served as the Principal of MAO College, Aligarh. Archbold notably succeeded Theodore Beck at Aligarh and played a role in the Simla Deputation. Therefore, this statement is factually correct.
- D
He was the Principal of the Muir Central College, Allahabad
This option claims that William A.J. Archbold was the Principal of the Muir Central College, Allahabad. Archbold did indeed serve at Muir Central College during his academic career in India, making this statement factually correct.
Summary. Official key is (b) because William A.J. Archbold was not the Principal of Lahore College, Lahore, during his academic career in British India. He is well-known in modern Indian history for his administrative roles at various prominent educational institutions including MAO College and Government College, Dacca. Students often confuse his various principalships across British-administered colleges. Archbold's correspondence regarding the Muslim deputation of 1906 further highlights his association with Aligarh. Consequently, option (b) is the only incorrect statement among the given choices.