Final answer:
Cricket in 19th century India spread through British colonial influence and was most popular in urban areas, especially major cities like Mumbai and Kolkata. The sport grew in popularity among the Indian communities and became a significant part of the culture in regions developed under British rule.
Step-by-step explanation:
The spread of cricket in 19th century India can be attributed to the British colonial influence during the time when India was becoming one of Britain's most profitable colonies. The sport was originally brought by British military men and civil servants who formed cricket clubs to play the game. Over time, cricket became increasingly popular among Indians, especially in urban centers where the influence of British customs and practices was strongest.
Cricket found early popularity among the Parsees community before spreading to other Indian communities. By the late 19th century, the British East India Company had established significant control over much of India, vastly influencing Indian society, including the promotion of cricket. Major cities developed under British rule, such as Mumbai (Bombay), Kolkata (Calcutta), and Chennai (Madras), became centers for cricket as they were economic and cultural hubs attracting different groups of people, including those who would adopt cricket as a pastime.
Given this context, the most accurate answer to the student's multiple-choice question is a) Cricket spread through British colonial influence and was most popular in major cities like Mumbai and Kolkata.