Question
Which European power was the first to establish a trading post in India?
The correct answer is
Portuguese
European Trading Posts in India
The arrival of Europeans in India marked a significant shift in global trade dynamics. Several European powers sought to establish trade routes and control valuable commodities.
First European Power in India
The question asks to identify the first European power to establish a trading post in India. Historical records confirm that the Portuguese were the pioneers among European nations in setting up a permanent trading presence.
- Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, reached Calicut (Kozhikode) in 1498.
- Following this voyage, the Portuguese established their first trading post at Cochin (Kochi) in 1500.
Timeline of European Presence
While other European powers also established trading posts in India, they did so later than the Portuguese:
- British: Established their first factory (trading post) in Surat in 1613.
- Dutch: Established their first factory in Pulicat in 1605.
- French: Established their first factory in Surat in 1668.
Therefore, the Portuguese were the initial European power to establish a trading post in India.
Was this answer helpful?
Important Questions from Modern History
- Which of the following Acts of India is also referred to as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, named after the then Secretary of State for India and the Viceroy?
- Who founded the Arya Samaj in 1875 to reform Hinduism?
- The Brahmo Samaj, a socio-religious reform movement, was founded by:
- Who was the first president of the Indian National Congress in 1885?
- Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. Assuming that the information given in the statements is true, even if it appears to be at variance with commonly known facts, decide which of the given conclusion(s) logically follow(s) from the statements.
Statements:
Some petals are flowers.
No flower is a bat.
Conclusions:
(I) Some petals are bats.
(II) Some flowers are petals.
Need Expert Advice?
