Question

The ____________ merchants who wanted to trade with the East, took the permission of Queen Elizabeth and formed a company.
A. British
B. French
C. Dutch
D. Portuguese

Answer 1

Hint: In 1600, the East India Company acquired a charter from Queen Elizabeth granting the right to trade with the East. They were the one who fought against all the rivals to trade with India or East.

Complete answer: European countries started entering in the eastern markets to trade. British, French, Dutch and Portuguese all were attracted towards the goods of India like spices, cotton and silk.
The East India Company which had British merchants acquired the charter from the queen of England, Elizabeth to trade with the east which meant that no other trading group in England could compete with them. But eventually, other European powers entered before them and set up their base in India. Portuguese first came to India and started trading, then slowly and gradually British, Dutch and French.
They all were interested in buying the same things which led to an increase in price and which reduced the profits of European companies. The only possible way to compete was by eliminating rivals. Fierce battles were fought and finally, the British East India Company won.
Looking at the options given:
Option A. British East India Company was the only company which traded with India for so long. They acquired the charter from Queen Elizabeth. This is the correct answer.
Option B. French factory established in 1688 but soon driven out by Dutch and British. It is an incorrect option.
Option C. Dutch Company East India Company established in 1602. It is an incorrect option.
Option D. Portuguese were the first European who discovered the sea route to India so it is an incorrect option.
Therefore, option A is correct.

Note: Three long battles were fought between European powers to capture the commercial and territorial control over India.