Before the discovery of South Africa's diamond deposits, the world's two major producers were:

Before the discovery of South Africa's diamond deposits, the world's two major producers were:

• A. India and Brazil
• B. India and Australia
• C. Brazil and Russia
• D. Canada and United States

Answer: (A)

Before South Africa’s diamond wealth reshaped the industry, India stood as the world’s leading producer thanks to ancient mining in the Golconda region, supplying diamonds for many centuries. Brazil emerged as the other major producer by the 18th century, with large alluvial deposits in Minas Gerais that made it a dominant source of diamonds alongside India. The combination of India and Brazil fits the historical pattern of early diamond sourcing and explains why that choice is the best answer. The other regions did not hold the top two positions before South Africa’s deposits were found, as Australia’s major output grew much later, Russia’s significant production came later in the 20th century, and Canada and the United States were not major early producers.

Before South Africa’s diamond wealth reshaped the industry, India stood as the world’s leading producer thanks to ancient mining in the Golconda region, supplying diamonds for many centuries. Brazil emerged as the other major producer by the 18th century, with large alluvial deposits in Minas Gerais that made it a dominant source of diamonds alongside India. The combination of India and Brazil fits the historical pattern of early diamond sourcing and explains why that choice is the best answer. The other regions did not hold the top two positions before South Africa’s deposits were found, as Australia’s major output grew much later, Russia’s significant production came later in the 20th century, and Canada and the United States were not major early producers.