Step 1: Understanding the question.
The question asks about the percentage of the population in India that lived in villages during the 16 -17 centuries. During this period, most of India's population resided in rural areas, and agriculture was the main occupation.
Step 2: Contextual analysis.
In the 16 and 17 centuries, India was primarily an agrarian society with a significant majority of its population living in villages. This was before the significant industrialization or urbanization of the country.
Step 3: Comparison with other options.
• (A) 70%: Incorrect. This is an underestimation. The actual percentage of rural population during this period was higher.
• (B) 75%: Incorrect. While 75% could be a reasonable estimate, it does not fully reflect the historical reality.
• (C) 85%: Correct. According to historical data, approximately 85% of India's population lived in villages during this period.
• (D) 80%: Incorrect. While close, the exact percentage is typically cited as being 85%.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, the correct answer is (C) 85%, which is a more accurate reflection of the rural population in India during the 16 -17 centuries.
Final Answer: 85%.