Questions and Answers
Vasco da Gama befriended the neighbouring ruler of ______.
Cochin
In 1510, Albuquerque captured ______ from the Sultan of Bijapur.
Goa
The Portuguese faced competition from the ______ and British trading companies.
Dutch
The English East India Company was founded in ______ in 1600.
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Sir Thomas Roe was sent as an ambassador to the court of ______.
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The fortified factory built by the British in Madras was known as ______.
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The French East India Company was founded in ______.
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Bombay was given to the British as a gift from Catherine of Braganza, the daughter of the king of ______.
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Many cities in India still bear the distinct stamp of their ______.
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The ______ established a fortified trading centre at Pondicherry.
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India’s trade with the West mainly consisted of spices, textiles, sugar, indigo and ______.
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The rise of the ______ in West Asia in 1453 disrupted the established trade route.
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Vasco da Gama reached India by sailing around the Cape of Good Hope and landing at ______.
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The ______ emperors did not consider the Europeans a threat at first.
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The ______ were the first to set up a trading company in India.
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Vasco da Gama established friendly relations with the ______, the ruler of Calicut.
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The European trading companies began to side with local powers like Bengal, Awadh, and ______ to strengthen their trade opportunities.
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Through their strong navy, the Portuguese were able to ______ Indian trade with Europe during the 16th century.
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Study Notes
Trade Patterns and European Exploration
- India’s trade with the West included spices, textiles, sugar, indigo, and saltpetre, primarily controlled by Arab traders.
- Key trade routes involved transport through the Persian Gulf and Red Sea until the Ottoman Turks disrupted land routes in 1453.
- European nations sought maritime paths to India, prompting voyages by explorers like Bartolomeo Dias and Vasco da Gama.
Vasco da Gama’s Voyage
- Vasco da Gama reached India in 1498, becoming the first European to do so via sea by navigating around the Cape of Good Hope.
- His arrival established a direct sea-route to India, facilitating trade for other European nations including the Dutch, British, and French.
- Mughal emperors initially did not perceive European traders as threats, allowing them to gain privileges and establish trading posts along the coasts.
The Portuguese Dominance
- First to establish a trading company in India, the Portuguese maintained a monopoly on Indian trade throughout the 16th century via their naval strength.
- Key figures include Vasco da Gama, who formed alliances with local rulers such as the zamorin of Calicut and the ruler of Cochin.
- Albuquerque captured Goa in 1510, making it the headquarters of Portuguese operations.
- Decline began by the end of the 16th century due to weak leadership and competition from Dutch and British traders.
The Dutch East India Company
- Founded in 1602, the Dutch East India Company broke the Portuguese monopoly in the Indian Ocean by establishing trading centers in Surat, Chinsurah, Nagapatnam, and Cochin.
- Though they were initially a strong trading power, the Dutch focused more on Southeast Asia, allowing the British to gradually overshadow them in India.
The British East India Company
- Established in 1600, gaining royal permission from Queen Elizabeth I to trade in India with profits shared with the crown.
- Sir Thomas Roe represented the Company at Jahangir's court in 1615, gaining trading rights in Surat.
- Key developments included the establishment of Fort St. George in Madras and a factory in Hooghly by 1668.
- Transition from traders to rulers occurred as Sir Josiah Child aimed for an empire, with significant gains following the defeat of Aurangzeb's forces and tax rights in Bengal.
Emergence of Calcutta
- In 1698, the East India Company acquired rights to collect taxes in Sutanati, Kalikata, and Gobindapur which later became Calcutta.
- British fortified Hooghly, developing Fort William, leading to urbanization and commerce growth in colonies, attracting Indian merchants.
French Presence in India
- The French East India Company was established in 1664, directly controlled by the French government unlike the British counterpart.
- Key possessions included fortified trading centers at Pondicherry, Chandernagore, and Mahe, but they entered the Indian market later than the British.
Acquisition of Bombay
- The British gained Bombay through a royal marriage arrangement, receiving it as a dowry in 1668 and transferring it to the East India Company.
Colonial Legacy
- Indian cities reflect the influence of European colonizers with notable architecture like the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata and other French structures in Pondicherry.
- Colonial segregation is notable in urban planning with distinct areas for local and European populations.
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Description
Explore the intricate trade patterns between India and Europe, focusing on key spices and textiles. Learn how European exploration, led by figures like Vasco da Gama, changed the landscape of maritime trade in the late 15th century. Understand the impact of these early encounters on Indian trade and the establishment of European dominance.
