History question from High Court exam, 2026 by JKSSB
Which among the following steel plants of India is sometimes called India's First Swadeshi Steel Plant?
Last updated Jul 28, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option D —
Bokaro Steel Plant
The correct answer is D) Bokaro Steel Plant.
Explanation
Bokaro Steel Plant (located in Jharkhand) is often called India's First Swadeshi Steel Plant.
Although it was built with technical and financial assistance from the former Soviet Union (USSR) starting in 1965, it earned the title "Swadeshi" because:
It was designed to maximize the use of indigenous (Indian) equipment, raw materials, and expertise.
Unlike earlier public sector steel plants (like Bhilai, Rourkela, and Durgapur), which relied heavily on imported equipment, a vast majority of the machinery, engineering design, and refractory materials for Bokaro were sourced locally from Indian organizations such as HEC (Heavy Engineering Corporation) and MECON.
Other Options Overview
Bengal Iron Works Company (1870): Located at Kulti, West Bengal, it was one of the earliest attempts at modern iron production in India under British colonial initiative.
TISCO (Tata Iron and Steel Company, 1907): Founded by Jamsetji Tata in Jamshedpur, it was India's first successful private integrated steel plant.
IISCO (Indian Iron & Steel Company, 1918): Established at Burnpur, West Bengal, it was another major early iron and steel production unit before being nationalized later.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
