Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store

The first European people who came to India were:
A.The English
B.The Portuguese
C.The French
D.The Dutch

seo-qna
Last updated date: 16th May 2024
Total views: 375.9k
Views today: 5.75k
Answer
VerifiedVerified
375.9k+ views
Hint:British weren't the only ones who came to India, but there have been other European powers also, who tried their hands during this imperialism race.
Those were: Portuguese, Dutch (Holland, now the Netherlands), British, Danish (Denmark), French.

Complete answer:
The 1st person to achieve India circumnavigating the Cape of excellent Hope was Portuguese navigator VASCO-DA-GAMA. He landed at Calicut (Kerala) and was welcomed by Zamorin (ruler). The motive to return here was the spice business (especially pepper).

The European's first arrival in India in chronological order is:
PORTUGUESE:
 Vasco-da-Gama: In1498, he visited Calicut and was greeted by Zamorin. His second visit was in 1501. He won against Zamorin and invaded Calicut (1502)

DUTCH:
United East India Company was initiated in 1602. The First Dutch settlement in India was at Masulipatnam (1605), the second at Surat (1616), 3rd at Nagapattinam.

BRITISH:
In 1599, John Mildenhall arrived in India. English East Indies Company was commenced in 1600 in England by a Charter provided by Queen Elizabeth. It had been a private organization, launched by issuing shares. The very best decision-making administration was called the Court of Directors (COD). The corporation got the exemption to possess a monopoly of trade with the East.

DE FRENCH:
 French Malay Archipelago Company was established in 1664 during the French ruler Louis the Great, with the assistance of his government minister Colbert. It had been a government company.
The first French settlement in India was at Surat (1668) and 2nd at Masulipatnam (1669). The next important settlement was at Chandranagar and Pondicherry.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note:The Portuguese were the major international association to find a right away sea route to India. On 20th May 1498, a Portuguese sailor named Vasco da Gama acquired Calicut, a crucial seaport of South-West India. He was cordially received by King Zamorin, the local ruler, and was offered certain honors. Vasco da Gama dwelled in India for 3 months. On his retrieval, he carried with him a chic cargo and sold it within the European market at an unlimited price.