Advent of European Companies MCQs with Explanations
Advent of European Companies is one of the most important topics of Modern History for UPSC Prelims and other competitive examinations. The arrival of the Portuguese, Dutch, English and French trading companies marked the beginning of European influence in India. This topic covers the establishment of trading centres, commercial rivalry among European powers and the rise of the British East India Company.
Who was the real founder of Portuguese power in India?
Correct Answer:
(B) Albuquerque
The real founder of Portuguese power in India was Albuquerque (1509-15). He established Portuguese State as a powerful regional power in India. The annexation of Goa from the Sultan of Bijapur in February, 1510 was the first significant achievement of Albuquerque. The victory of Goa consolidated the Portuguese monopoly at the southern western naval coast and established regional Portuguese State in India. He encouraged Portuguese men to marry Indian women for enhancement of Portuguese presence in India and the formation of permanent colonies.
Ques: 2
Who were the first Europeans to come to India for trade ?
Correct Answer:
(D)
Portuguese
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to come to medieval India for trade. The first Portuguese and European voyager Vasco da Gama reached the coast of Calicut in 1498 after a long voyage with the help of Gujarati route guide Abdul Majid. The sequence of the arrival of European trade powers in India is as follows: Portuguese, Dutch, English, Danes and French. Portuguese came to India in 1498 and returned in 1961 (longest period).
Ques: 3
At which one of the following places in India did the Portuguese build their first fortress ?
Correct Answer:
(C) Cochin
The first Portuguese fortress was built by Alfonso-de Albuquerque (who was not the Viceroy at that time) in Cochin, 1503. Francisco de Almeida constructed the Portuguese fortress in Cannanore and Anjidiv in 1505.
Ques: 4
With reference to Pondicherry (Now Puducherry), consider the following statements:
The first European power to occupy Pondicherry were the Portuguese.
The second European power to occupy Pondicherry were the French.
The English never occupied Pondicherry.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(A) 1 only
The first European power to occupy Pondicherry and to exert power in India was the Portuguese. Dutch was the second European power to occupy Pondicherry. The Britishers also occupied Pondicherry in 1793 but handed it over to France in 1814 under the Treaty of Paris. Thus, only statement (1) is correct.
Ques: 5
Which one of the followings is connected with ‘Blue Water’ policy?
Correct Answer:
(A) Fransisco De Almeida
The ‘Blue Water’ policy is attributed to Francisco de Almeida, the first Viceroy of Portuguese possessions in India. According to it, “The Portuguese should be the sole trade power in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean”.