Step 1: Sri Lanka's Historical Designation
Sri Lanka, formerly recognized as Ceylon, was under British colonial rule from 1815 until achieving independence in 1948. The appellation "Ceylon" was in use throughout the colonial era and persisted as the official name until 1972. At that juncture, the nation transitioned to a republic and adopted the name Sri Lanka.
Step 2: Evaluation of Each Alternative
- (A) Rangoon: Rangoon, the previous name for Yangon, is the principal metropolis of Myanmar (Burma), not Sri Lanka. This choice is erroneous.
- (B) Ceylon: This is the accurate selection. Sri Lanka was officially identified as Ceylon until 1972.
- (C) Shatagu: No historical documentation exists indicating Sri Lanka was ever referred to as Shatagu. This choice is erroneous.
- (D) Shahbajgadhi: This is also not a recognized historical designation for Sri Lanka. This choice is erroneous.
Step 3: Conclusive Determination
Consequently, the prior designation for Sri Lanka was Ceylon, establishing Option (B) as the correct answer.