Who was the first European to reach India by sea?
- Christopher Columbus
- Vasco da Gama
- Francisco de Almeida
- Afonso de Albuquerque
Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in 1498. Calicut is located in present-day Kerala. His voyage opened a direct sea route between Europe and India. The Portuguese subsequently established a strong trading and colonial presence. His arrival marked an important beginning of European maritime expansion in India.
In which year did Vasco da Gama reach Calicut?
- 1490
- 1492
- 1498
- 1502
Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in 1498. He came to India through the sea route around the Cape of Good Hope. His arrival strengthened Portuguese commercial ambitions. Calicut was an important centre of Indian Ocean trade. The Portuguese became the first major European colonial power to establish
Portuguese rule over Goa ended in:
- 1947
- 1950
- 1954
- 1961
The Portuguese captured Goa in 1510. Goa remained under Portuguese control for more than four centuries. India liberated Goa in December 1961. The military operation was known as Operation Vijay. Goa became part of the Indian Union after the end of Portuguese rule.
Which of the following crops was introduced into India by the Portuguese?
- Cashew
- Wheat
- Rice
- Barley
The Portuguese introduced several new crops into India. Cashew was among the important crops introduced. Tobacco was also introduced during the Portuguese period. Other examples mentioned in the source include pineapple, papaya and chilli. These introductions were connected with the wider Columbian Exchange.
The Treaty of Bassein of 1802 was associated with:
- Portuguese-British relations
- British-Peshwa relations
- British-French relations
- Dutch-British relations
The Treaty of Bassein was signed in 1802. It involved the British East India Company and Peshwa Baji Rao II. It was an important event in Anglo-Maratha relations. It was not responsible for the transfer of Bombay from Portugal. Bombay had already come to the British Crown in 1661 through Catherine of Braganza's dowry.
The first major Dutch trading post in India was established at:
- Surat
- Goa
- Pulicat
- Madras
The Dutch East India Company established its first Indian trading post at Pulicat. Pulicat is located on the Coromandel Coast. It is in present-day Tamil Nadu. Pulicat became an important centre of Dutch activities. The Dutch concentrated strongly on trade rather than creating a large territorial empire in India.
The Battle of Swally of 1612 was fought between:
- Dutch and Portuguese
- British and Portuguese
- British and French
- Dutch and British
The Battle of Swally took place in 1612. It was fought between the English and Portuguese. The Dutch were not the British opponent in this battle. The British victory helped strengthen their position in Indian waters. It was an important step in the development of British maritime power in India.
The Dutch were primarily interested in which trade?
- Silk trade
- Tea trade
- Opium trade
- Spice trade
The Dutch East India Company was strongly interested in the spice trade. Southeast Asia was particularly important to Dutch commercial interests. The Indonesian archipelago was a major area of Dutch activity. In India, the Dutch also participated in textile and spice trade. The spice islands were more important to Dutch interests than large-scale Indian territorial conquest.
The Battle of Colachel was fought between the Dutch and:
- Avadh
- Travancore
- Mysore
- Bengal
The Battle of Colachel took place in 1741. The Dutch fought against the forces of Travancore. King Marthanda Varma led Travancore. The Dutch suffered a major defeat. The defeat significantly weakened Dutch influence in India, particularly in Kerala.
The French East India Company was founded in:
- 1600 A.D.
- 1602 A.D.
- 1664 A.D.
- 1690 A.D.
The French East India Company was founded in 1664. It was established during the reign of Louis XIV. Its objective was to compete with English and Dutch commercial powers. The French wanted to expand their trade in Asia. The company became an important participant in the European rivalry in India.
Which place became the principal French headquarters in India?
- Surat
- Pondicherry
- Bombay
- Calcutta
Pondicherry became the principal French settlement in India. It was established as an important French base in 1674. It developed into the administrative and commercial centre of French India. French influence remained visible in its architecture and culture. Pondicherry was among the French territories eventually transferred to India.
Who defeated the French in the Third Carnatic War?
- Dutch
- Portuguese
- British
- Marathas
The Third Carnatic War lasted from 1756 to 1763. The British decisively defeated the French. The Battle of Wandiwash in 1760 was the decisive engagement. The defeat ended major French political ambitions in India. The Treaty of Paris in 1763 confirmed the British advantage.
Which of the following was a French settlement in India?
- Karaikal
- Surat
- Bombay
- Calicut
Karaikal was part of French India. Other French territories included Pondicherry, Mahe and Yanam. These territories remained under French control even after Indian independence. Their de facto transfer to India occurred in 1954. The formal de jure transfer took place later.
The main Danish settlement in India was established at:
- Tranquebar
- Surat
- Pondicherry
- Goa
The Danes established Tranquebar on the Coromandel Coast. It was established in 1620. The Danes concluded an agreement with Raghunatha Nayak of Tanjore. Tranquebar became their principal settlement in India. It is now known as Tharangambadi.
Which of the following was a Danish possession in India?
- Serampore
- Surat
- Madras
- Calicut
Serampore was part of Danish India. It was located in Bengal. Tranquebar was another major Danish settlement. The Nicobar Islands were also associated with Danish possessions. Denmark eventually sold its Indian possessions to the British.
The First Carnatic War lasted from:
- 1740–174
- 1746–1748
- 1750–1754
- 1756–1763
The First Carnatic War lasted from 1746 to 1748. It was connected with the War of Austrian Succession in Europe. The British and French became major opponents in India. The French captured Madras during the conflict. Madras was restored to the British through the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.
The First Carnatic War was primarily an extension of:
- Seven Years' War
- Crimean War
- Napoleonic Wars
- War of Austrian Succession
The First Carnatic War was linked to a European conflict. The relevant European conflict was the War of Austrian Succession. British and French rivalry spread into India. Indian rulers also became involved in the conflict. Therefore, it was not simply a local dispute between Indian rulers.
Which city was captured by the French during the First Carnatic War?
- Bombay
- Calcutta
- Madras
- Surat
French forces captured Madras in 1746. Madras was an important British settlement. The capture demonstrated French military strength in the region. The settlement was later returned to the British. The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle ended the First Carnatic War in 1748.
The Battle of Adyar demonstrated the importance of:
- Naval blockade only
- European military discipline and firepower
- Indian cavalry superiority
- Maratha diplomacy
The Battle of Adyar occurred in 1746. A relatively small French force defeated a much larger Carnatic army. European-trained troops had better discipline. Their organized use of firearms and artillery gave them an advantage. The battle highlighted the changing nature of warfare in India.
The Second Carnatic War was mainly connected with succession disputes in:
- Carnatic and Hyderabad
- Bengal and Bihar
- Mysore and Maratha
- Punjab and Awadh
Succession disputes occurred in Hyderabad and the Carnatic. European companies supported rival Indian claimants. The French supported Muzaffar Jung and Chanda Sahib. The British supported Nasir Jung and Muhammad Ali. European commercial rivalry therefore became closely connected with Indian politics.
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