British Trading Posts and Early Settlements

When the British first arrived in India to establish trading posts, they often chose locations that were not yet large, developed urban centres. They looked for places with potential for trade, access to the sea or rivers, and sometimes where local rulers were willing to grant permission for trade and settlement.

Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta: Their Beginnings

Let's look at the initial state of these three significant locations:

• Madras (now Chennai): The area where Fort St. George was established in 1639 by the British East India Company was essentially a fishing village called Madraspatnam and a nearby area called Chennapatnam. These were small coastal settlements.
• Bombay (now Mumbai): Bombay was initially a group of seven islands populated by fishing communities. The British acquired these islands from the Portuguese in the 17th century. These islands contained small villages and were far from being a unified city.
• Calcutta (now Kolkata): The British established their presence in the area around 1690 by consolidating three villages: Sutanuti, Gobindapur, and Kalikata (from which the name Calcutta is derived). These were rural or semi-rural settlements along the Hooghly River.

In each case, the British established their trading posts and fortifications in or around relatively small, existing settlements. These settlements were primarily villages or groups of villages rather than established towns or large cities of the time.

From Villages to Major Cities

Over time, the British East India Company developed these locations into major trading hubs, building infrastructure, attracting merchants and populations, and eventually turning them into significant port cities and administrative centres. The anglicised names - Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta - became synonymous with these growing colonial cities. However, the question specifically asks about the state of these places when the British first set up trading posts.

Considering their initial state as described by historical accounts and records, these locations were essentially villages.

Therefore, the correct description of Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta when the British first set up trading posts is that they were villages.

Revision Table: British Settlements

Additional Information: British Colonial History

The British presence in India began with trading ventures by the East India Company, which was granted a royal charter in 1600. The company's primary goal was trade, focusing on spices, textiles, and other goods. Establishing trading posts, known as 'factories', was crucial for this. These factories were not just warehouses; they included offices, accommodation, and sometimes fortifications for protection. The choice of location often depended on factors like port facilities, local political stability, and access to goods. The transformation of these initial trading posts into large colonial cities like Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta is a significant part of India's history under British rule, illustrating the evolution from mere trade to significant political and administrative control.