UPSC NCERT Notes - The advent of Europeans in India

The advent of Europeans in India marks a pivotal chapter in the annals of history, heralding a profound transformation that would shape the destiny of the subcontinent. Through the lens of colonial expansion, the narrative of India’s past unfolds with a tapestry woven by the encounters between indigenous civilizations and the enterprising voyagers from distant shores. From the early ventures of Portuguese traders to the establishment of vast colonial empires by the British, French, Dutch, and others, the landscape of India was irrevocably altered. This period witnessed not only economic exchanges but also cultural amalgamation, political upheavals, and societal restructuring. The dynamics of power and influence shifted, leaving an indelible imprint on the fabric of Indian society. Delving into the nuances of this epoch, one finds a saga of exploration, exploitation, resistance, and resilience, echoing through the corridors of time, shaping the contours of modern India.

Table of Contents

The arrival of Europeans in India

The traditional trade routes between the East and the West fell under Turkish dominance following the Ottoman conquest of Asia Minor and the capture of Constantinople in AD 1453.
Merchants from Venice and Genoa, who had monopolized these routes, denied West European states, including Spain and Portugal, any participation in trade through the old routes.
Seeking to break the Arab and Venetian trade monopolies and circumvent Turkish hostilities, West European states and merchants began searching for new and safer sea routes to India and Indonesia.
The advancements in ship-building and navigation science in the 15th century enabled these states to discover sea routes.
Portugal and Spain took the initial steps, with their seamen, sponsored and controlled by the governments, initiating a significant era of geographical exploration.

In 1498, Vasco da Gama of Portugal successfully found a new all-sea route from Europe to India. He sailed around the Cape of Good Hope, reaching Calicut.

Timeline of Europeans in India

Name	Leadership	Year of Arrival	First Factory
The Portuguese	Vasco da Gama	AD 1498	Calicut (Kerala) (1602)
The Dutch	Group of Merchants	AD 1602	Masulipatnam (Andhra Pradesh) (1605)
The English	Captain William Hawkins	AD 1600	Surat (Gujarat) (1613)
The Danes	Admiral Ove Gjedde	AD 1616	Tanquebar (Tamil Nadu) (1620)
The French	Francois Caron	AD 1664	Surat (Gujarat) (1668)

The Portuguese

Encouraged by Prince Henry of Portugal, Bartholomeu Dias, the first Portuguese sailor, reached the Cape of Good Hope in AD 1498 in search of sea routes to India.

Vasco da Gama

Hailing from Lisbon, Vasco da Gama, a colonial explorer, discovered a new sea route from Europe to Asia via the Cape of Good Hope.
He received assistance from the Gujarati navigator Ibn Majid and landed at Calicut on May 21, 1498. Calicut, then under the Zamorin, was prosperous.
Vasco da Gama returned to Portugal in AD 1499 and revisited India in AD 1501.

The Portuguese, under his leadership, established their first factory at Calicut, followed by a second factory at Cannanore (Kerala) in AD 1505.

Pedro Alvares Cabral

In AD 1500, Pedro Alvares Cabral led the second European expedition to reach India via the sea route around the Cape of Good Hope.
He strengthened the factories at Cochin and Cannanore, leaving a squadron to supervise the Malabar coast and thwart any Arab vessels arriving from the Red Sea.
The Portuguese maritime empire came to be known as Estado da India, aiming to monopolize the spice and pepper trade in the East.

Treaty of Tordesillas

The Treaty of Tordesillas signed in AD 1494 between Spain and Portugal, aimed to divide the world between them along an imaginary line down the center of the Atlantic Ocean. This agreement served as an amendment to the papal bulls issued by Pope Alexander VI in AD 1493.

Important Portuguese Governors

Here are some significant Portuguese Governors and events during their rule:

Francisco de Almeida (AD 1505-1509)

Francisco de Almeida, the first Governor of Portuguese territory, fortified Fort Manuel in Cochin and erected a fort at Anjediva.

Blue Water Policy

The Blue Water Policy, introduced by Governor Francisco de Almeida, emphasized maintaining Portuguese dominance as the sole trade power in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
This policy advocated for Portuguese naval strength rather than building fortifications on the Indian mainland.
Almeida led a systematic assault on the Muslim (mainly Arab) monopoly of trade in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
In a naval battle near Chaul, the combined Muslim fleet achieved victory over the Portuguese fleet under Almeida’s son, who lost his life in the battle (January 1508).
A year later, Almeida successfully defeated the combined Muslim fleet in a naval battle near Diu (February 1509).

Alfonso de Albuquerque (AD 1509-1515)

Albuquerque’s first major achievement was the conquest of Goa from the Adil Shahi Sultan of Bijapur in February AD 1510. Although the city was quickly recaptured by the Sultan of Bijapur, Albuquerque undertook a second expedition.
He captured Bhatkal from Sri Krishna Deva Raya (1510) of Vijayanagara and initiated a policy of intermarriage with the natives of India. Albuquerque also banned the practice of sati in his area of influence.
Albuquerque’s successors went on to establish Portuguese settlements on the West coast at Daman, Salsette, and Bombay, while also extending their presence on the East coast with settlements at Santhome (near Madras) and Hooghly (Bengal).
Cartaz System The Cartaz System, a naval trade license or pass, was implemented by the Portuguese in the Indian Ocean during the 16th century under the dominion of the Portuguese Empire.

Battle of Goa (1510)

In the Battle of Goa (1510), Alfonso de Albuquerque, with the assistance of Hindu chieftain Timoji, successfully captured Goa. Although the Portuguese initially faced defeat, the reinforcement led by Albuquerque turned the tide, resulting in the defeat of Adil Shahi’s forces and the occupation of the city by Timoji.
Recognizing the strategic significance of Goa, Portuguese Viceroy Alfonso de Albuquerque saw it as an ideal permanent base for Portugal’s navy and commerce in the Indian Ocean.

Nino da Cunha (AD 1529-1538)

Nino da Cunha continued the expansion of Portuguese influence by establishing settlements at Santhome near Madras and at Hooghly in Bengal, thus fostering commerce on the Eastern coast.
In AD 1534, the Portuguese obtained permission from the Sultan of Bengal to build factories at Satgaon and Chittagong.

Factory
The factory, initially a free-trade zone or transshipment point, was first introduced in India by the Portuguese. These fortified trading posts were primarily located in coastal areas.

Cochin served as the early capital of the Portuguese in India, later transferred to Goa by Nino da Cunha.
In AD 1535, Cunha acquired Diu and Bassein from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat.
Over time, most of their territories were lost to the Marathas (Salsette and Bassein in AD 1739), Dutch, and English. Only Goa, Diu, and Daman remained under Portuguese control until AD 1961.
By AD 1571, the Asiatic Empire had divided into three distinct commands:
A Governorship overseeing settlements on the African coast, with Mozambique under its control.
A Viceroyalty located at Goa, responsible for the territories of India and Persia.
A Governorship situated at Malacca, tasked with regulating the trade of Java and the spice archipelago.

Other Notable Governors:

Afonso de Souza: During his Governorship (1542-45), the first Jesuit priest, Francisco Xavier, arrived in India.
Monserrate and Acquaviva: In response to Akbar’s request in September 1579, Jesuit fathers Rodolfo Aquaviva and Antonio Monserrate reached Fatehpur Sikri on 28th February 1580.
They made a second visit in AD 15 with Fathers Jerome Xavier and Emmanuel Pinhei. In AD 1595, the third Portuguese mission requested by Akbar arrived at Lahore. Their letters from the court served as a valuable source for the later part of Akbar’s reign.

Contributions of the Portuguese in India:

The Portuguese had a significant social, economic, and cultural influence in India, particularly along the Western coasts.
They enriched Indian vocabulary and made advancements in medicine. Garda da Orta, a Portuguese scholar, wrote the first treatise on the medical plants of India. The first scientific work on Indian medicinal plants by a European writer was printed at Goa in AD 1563.

The Portuguese are credited with introducing the Printing Press in India, initiated by Joao De Bustamante (also known as Joao Rodrigues) in AD 1557.

They opened up the global market for Indian goods like spices and muslin.
The Portuguese played a vital role in expanding trade with coastal Indian regions, contributing to unprecedented growth.
Assisted by the Portuguese, India witnessed the influx of various imported goods from European countries and China.
The Portuguese are also acknowledged for introducing tobacco cultivation in India.

Additional contributions of the Portuguese include:

Naval Contribution: The arrival of the Portuguese not only marked the onset of the European age but also the rise of maritime power. Equipping their ships with cannons, the Portuguese took the initial steps to establish a commerce monopoly by employing threats or force.
Military Contribution: On land, the Portuguese made a significant military contribution by implementing a system of drilling infantry groups, modeled after the Spanish approach. This system was introduced in the 1630s in response to pressure from the Dutch.
Maritime Technologies: The Portuguese were adept in advanced maritime tactics. Their robust multi-decked ships were designed to withstand Atlantic gales rather than sail ahead of the regular monsoons, enabling them to carry more weapons.
Architectural Contribution: The Portuguese had a profound influence on Indian architecture, particularly in ecclesiastical architecture, known as Gothic architecture in Western and South India.
They also propagated the style of Manueline architecture, also referred to as Late Gothic, along the Western coast.

In AD 1661, the king of Portugal gave Bombay to Charles II of England as a dowry when Charles II married Catherine Braganza. Vasco da Gama visited India three times and was buried at Fort Kochi. Francisco Xavier, a famous saint came to India in the period of Martin Dsouza to spread Christianity in India and Asia. Francisco Xavier was one of the founding members of the Jesuit order. His feat is celebrated in Goa each year.

Timeline of Portuguese India

Year	Event Description
AD 1498	Vasco da Gama makes landfall at Calicut where he is received by the Zamorins.
AD 1503	The first Portuguese fort is established at Cochin (now known as Kochi).
AD 1505	The second Portuguese fort is built at Cannanore.
AD 1509	A combined fleet of Egyptian, Arab, and Zamorin fleet is destroyed by the Portuguese at the Battle of Diu.
AD 1510	Goa is captured from the Bijapur Sultanate by Alfonso Albuquerque.
AD 1530	Goa is declared as the capital of Portuguese India. Diu is completely subjugated.
AD 1535	Portuguese Diu is under siege by a combined fleet of Ottomans, Mamluks of Egypt, the Gujarat Sultanate, and the Zamorin of Calicut. It ends in the absolute victory of the Portuguese. Daman is captured by the Portuguese.
AD 1539	In Southeast Asia, the Dutch established a monopoly in the spice trade after dislodging the Portuguese.
AD 1559	Surat is lost to the English.
AD 1596	Bombay is handed over to the English.
AD 1612	The Portuguese lose all their forts to the Dutch on the Malabar Coast.
AD 1661	Acquisition of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Panjim is made the capital of Portuguese India.
AD 1663	The Portuguese lost their final colonial outpost of Goa when the Indian army launched a military operation to liberate it.
AD 1779	Acquisition of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
1843	Panjim is made capital of Portuguese India.
1961	The Portuguese lost their final colonial outpost of Goa when the Indian army launched a military operation to liberate

Decline of Portuguese Rule

Some of the major factors for the decline of Portuguese rule in India were as follows:

Weak Successors

The successors of Albuquerque were weak and could not maintain their prosperity, unlike their previous ones.
They were unable to increase Portuguese control over India and on the other hand, the rise of powerful regional powers like Marathas and Nizams Doc created huge trouble for them.

Aggressive Religious Policies

The Portuguese’s religious policies were a crucial factor and negative element in their defeat in India.
Engaging in forced conversions to Christianity and participating in human trafficking for trade in the Western world were common practices among the Portuguese.
The Portuguese not only engaged in such activities but also destroyed and desecrated Hindu shrines in India.

Fall of the Vijayanagara Empire

After the Battle of Talikota in AD 1565 led to the downfall of the Vijayanagara Kingdom, the influence of the Portuguese in India waned alongside the demise of the powerful state.
Vijayanagara had served as a pivotal trade center for European goods and articles.

The Impact of the West

Following the discovery of Brazil, Portugal shifted its colonization focus more towards the West.

The Portuguese monopoly on the maritime route to India was not perpetual; with the Dutch and English acquiring ocean navigation abilities, various trading companies entered India.

Overcoming Portuguese opposition, these new entrants successfully captured Portuguese possessions in India.

Corrupted Trade Policy and Moral Degeneration

The Portuguese sought to establish trade monopoly by any means necessary.
The abuse of naval power led to the robbery of other ships on the beach, harassment of civilians, and attacks on other ships at sea. Consequently, other merchants ceased to trade with Portugal.

Expansion of the Mughal Empire in the South

The expansion of the Mughal Empire in the South weakened the position of the Portuguese. Punished by Shah Jahan, they lost control of Hooghly in West Bengal.
Concurrently, the ascendancy of Maratha power impeded Portuguese expansion along the West coast.

The Dutch

The Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC), popularly known as the Dutch United East India Company, was established in AD 1602.

Dutch trade centers were also established in India, with Cornells de Houtman being the first Dutch citizen to arrive in the country.

They successfully overcame Portuguese influence and gained control over spice cultivation centers.
They established trade posts in Gujarat, Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. The company’s effective administrative system and strong national support enabled it to monopolize the spice trade in Europe.

Dutch Settlements in India

The Dutch East India Company’s settlements and trading posts on the Indian subcontinent include:

On the Malabar Coast:

Their sole port on this side was Vengurla, located to the North of Goa. After a protracted power struggle, the Dutch were ultimately defeated by the English in the Battle of Bedara in AD 1759.

On the Coromandel Coast:

Following an earlier unsuccessful attempt to initiate trade at Surat and on the Malabar coast, Admiral Van der Hagen established trade with the Coromandel coast, setting up a permanent factory at Masulipatnam in early 1605.
Another factory was soon founded at Devanampatnam (Tegnapatnam) or Fort St David. In AD 1610, after negotiations with the king of Chandragiri, the Dutch established another factory at Pulicat, named Fort Geldria.

Dutch East India Factories in India

Factories	Years of Establishment
Maulipatnam (Andhra Pradesh)	AD 1605
Pulicat (Kerala)	AD 1610
Surat (Gujarat)	AD 1616
Chinsura-Hooghly (West Bengal)	AD 1653
Cossimbazar (West Bengal), Balasore (Odisha), and Nagapatnam (Tamil Nadu)	AD 1659
Cochin (Kerala)	AD 1663

Trade During the Dutch Period

Exports: The primary export from the Coromandel coast during the Dutch period consisted of textiles, specifically woven clothes with distinctive patterns.
Additionally, the Dutch engaged in exporting Indigo and Saltpetre. Opium, a crucial export, found consumption in Java and China, yielding significant profits. The Dutch primarily traded spices, indigo, raw silk, rice, and opium, playing a pivotal role in making India a center for textile exports.
Pulicat served as their main center from AD 1616, but Nagapattinam later replaced it. The Dutch trading system operated on the Cartel system, and the company paid an impressive dividend of 18% to its shareholders, marking a record in the history of commerce.
Imports: In terms of imports, aside from spices, key items brought to the Coromandel included sandalwood and pepper from the Archipelago, copper from Japan, and textiles from China.
Trade from Bengal: In Bengal, the Dutch initially established a factory at Pipli but soon abandoned it for Balasore.
Eventually, they secured a firm footing at Chinsurah on the Hooghly in AD 1653, leading to the construction of Fort Gustavus in AD 1742. Subsequently, they expanded their presence with factories at Cossimbazar and Patna.

The decline of the Dutch

In the Battle of Colachel (AD 1741), the forces of the Dutch East India Company suffered defeat at the hands of the King of Travancore, Marthanda Verma. Subsequently, they faced a decisive defeat in the Battle of Bedara (AD 1759), led by Robert Clive of the British.
The decline of the Dutch can be attributed to factors such as a deteriorating economic condition, excessive centralization, a focus on the spice trade, and a comparatively weaker navy than the British.

Anglo-Dutch Rivalry

During this period, the English began to emerge as significant players in Eastern trade, posing a serious threat to Dutch economic interests. The escalating commercial competition eventually led to hostilities.
After prolonged conflicts, both parties reached an agreement in AD 1667. In this accord, the British committed to relinquish all claims to Indonesia, while the Dutch agreed to withdraw from India to concentrate on their more successful commerce in Indonesia.

The English

Before the establishment of the East India Company’s trade in India, English merchant John Mildenhall arrived in India via the land route for trade with Indian merchants in AD 1599.
The charter granted by Queen Elizabeth I on December 31, 1600, under the title of ‘The Governor and Company of Merchants of London trading into the East Indies,’ marked the formation of the East India Company.
Initially focused on acquiring spices and pepper from the Eastern Archipelago, the company’s first two voyages (AD 1601-1606) were directed towards Aching (in Sumatra), Bantam (in Java), and the Malaccas.
It was only with the third voyage in AD 1608 that the English initiated the company’s trade with India, and Captain William Hawkins, with experience in such ventures and proficiency in Turkish, was provided with a letter from King James I to Akbar.

Timeline of the English East India Company

Founded on December 31, 1600, the East India Company aimed to establish trade relations with the East Indies.
Established by a group of over 200 English merchants, Queen Elizabeth I, the reigning Queen of England, was a shareholder.

In AD 1601, Sir James Lancaster led the first East India Company voyage to Red Dragon. Seizing a rich 1200-ton Portuguese carrack from the Malacca Straits, the loot enabled the voyagers to set up two ‘factories’ – one at Bantam on Java and another in the Moluccas (Spice Islands).

In AD 1608, the East India Company gained its initial foothold at Surat in Gujarat.
In November 1612, English Commander Captain Thomas Best sailed to India from the ship Dragon and a small ship Osiander. The Battle of Swally (1612) saw the successful defeat of a Portuguese ship, earning admiration from Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
The company established its first Indian factory in Surat in AD 1613 and a second factory in Masulipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, in AD 1616.
In AD 1615, King James I instructed Sir Thomas Roe to visit Mughal Emperor Jahangir to arrange a commercial treaty for residing and establishing factories in Surat and other areas.
In AD 1668, the English East India Company acquired Bombay from Charles II, then King of England, becoming the headquarters on the West coast of India.
Trading posts were established in Surat (AD 1613), Madras (AD 1639), Bombay (AD 1668), and Calcutta (AD 1690).

In AD 1690, an English factory was established at a small village called Sutanuti by Job Charnock, later developing into the city of Calcutta by merging Sutanati, Gobindopur, and Kalikata.

In AD 1717, Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar completely waived customs duties for the English in Bengal. By then, the company’s mainstay businesses included cotton, silk, indigo dye, saltpeter, and tea.

English Settlements on the Western Coast

In AD 1609, William arrived at Jahangir’s court but failed to secure permission to erect a factory at Surat. However, the English, under Captain Best, achieved victory over the Portuguese fleet at Swally (near Surat) in AD 1612, breaking the tradition of Portuguese supremacy. Consequently, Jahangir issued a Farman permitting the English to establish a factory at Surat in AD 1613.
Sir Thomas Roe, the royal ambassador from James I to the Mughal emperor, succeeded in obtaining two farms by 1618—one from Mughal Emperor Jahangir and the other from Prince Khurram—granting permission to trade and erect factories in different parts of the empire.
Surat emerged as a significant center of maritime trade. The English extended their inland trading operations from Surat and, by AD 1616, had established subordinate factories at Ahmedabad, Baroda, Broach, and Agra. Finally, Bombay was declared the headquarters of the company on the West coast in AD 1687.

Gerald Aungier

Gerald Aungier, the first Governor of Bombay (AD 1669 to 1677), played a crucial role. Under Aungier’s leadership, Bombay became a haven for all merchants and manufacturers. He established vigorous and strict discipline overall inhabitants of the city, allowing every community to enjoy the free exercise of its religion.

English Settlements on the Eastern Coast

The English were granted permission to trade in Masulipatnam in AD 1611 and, in AD 1630, secured the Golden Farman from the Sultan of Golconda (AD 1632), ensuring the safety and prosperity of their trade.
In AD 1639, Francis Day obtained the site of Madras from the Raja of Chandragiri, with permission to build a fortified factory named Fort Saint George. The foundation of Madras in AD 1639 marked the English arrival at Hooghly in AD 1650, establishing a factory.
The English foothold on the Eastern coast grew both strong and permanent. Madras quickly replaced Masulipatnam as the headquarters of the English East India Company, encompassing the Coromandel settlements along the coast.
By AD 1641, all territories in Eastern India (Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa) and the Coromandel region were placed under the control of the President and Council of Fort Saint George.

English Settlements in Bengal

In AD 1633, the Mughal Governor of Orissa granted the English merchants factories at Hariharapur (near the mouth of Mahanadi), Balasore, and Pipli. The English also succeeded in establishing a factory at Hooghly in AD 1651, followed by ones at Patna, Dacca, and Cossimbazar.
In AD 1667, Aurangzeb issued a farman granting the English East India Company permission to trade in Bengal. Five years later, in AD 1672, the Mughal Governor, Shaista Khan, confirmed all the privileges acquired by the English East India Company.
The rebellion led by Sobha Singh, a Zamindar in the district of Burdwan, provided an opportunity for the English to fortify their settlement at Sutanuti in AD 1696. Azim-ush-Shah, the Governor of Bengal, permitted the English to purchase the Zamindari of the three villages of Sutanuti, Kalikata, and Govindpur, paying 1200 to the old proprietors.
In AD 1700, the directors designated Bengal as a separate Presidency independent of Madras and appointed Sir Charles Eyre as its first President and Governor of Fort William in Bengal. Following Aurangzeb’s death in AD 1707, the English received confirmation of their privileges from the new Emperor Shah Alam and the de facto ruler of Bengal, Murshid Quli Khan.
A significant event during this period was the diplomatic mission led by John Surman in AD 1715 to the court of the Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar.

The Mughal Emperor issued farms to the company outlining the following privileges:

Bengal: The company’s imports and exports in Bengal were exempted from additional customs duties, except an annual payment of 3000, as previously settled. The company was also granted permission to lease additional lands around Calcutta.
Hyderabad: The company retained its old privileges in Hyderabad, enjoying freedom from trade dues and paying only the existing rent for Madras.
Surat: The company at Surat was exempted from all duties on its exports and imports. In return, it made an annual payment of 10000. Furthermore, the coins minted at Bombay were given currency throughout the Mughal Empire.

In subsequent years, the English East India Company expanded its territorial influence. Notably, it defeated the Dutch East India Company in the Battle of Bedara (1759) and the French East India Company in the Battle of Wandiwash (1760). By the end of the 18th century, the English East India Company established its paramountcy.

The Danes:

The Danish East India Company arrived in India in AD 1616, establishing settlements at Tranquebar (Tamil Nadu) in AD 1620, Serampore (Bengal) in AD 1676, and Nicobar Island.
Serampore served as their headquarters, but they were compelled to sell their settlements to the British in AD 1854.
The initiative for Danish involvement came from Marcelis de Boshouwer, a Dutch explorer, who sought military assistance against the Portuguese in exchange for a trade monopoly. King Christian IV of Denmark-Norway granted the Danish East India Company a charter in 1616 AD, conferring a twelve-year monopoly on trade between Denmark and Asia.
The Serampore Mission Press was established by Danish missionaries in AD 1799. However, the Danes eventually sold all their Indian settlements to the British in AD 1845.

The French

The French East India Company, officially known as Compagnie des Indes Orientales, was established under state patronage by Colbert in AD 1664.

In AD 1667, an expedition led by Francois Caron resulted in the establishment of the first French factory in India at Surat. Subsequently, in AD 1669, another factory was founded at Masulipatnam by Mascara with a patent secured from the Sultan of Golconda.

In July 1672, a French squadron under De la Haye occupied San Thome near Madras. The following year, in AD 1673, Francois Martin, the director of the Masulipatnam factory, obtained a site for another factory from Sher Khan Lodi, Governor of Valikondapuram. This factory later evolved into Pondicherry, with Francois Martin serving as its first Governor.
In Bengal, the French established the renowned settlement of Chandranagar in AD 1690, granted by Shaista Khan. Additionally, French factories were set up at Balasore, Mahe, Qarim Bazar, and Karaikal.
A reconstituted company, named the United Compagnie des Indes, was formed by royal edict, consolidating control over the entire French colonial trade.

Treaty of Ryswick

The Treaty of Ryswick, concluded in July 1697, marked the end of the Nine Years War, involving Louis XIV’s France against a grand coalition of England, the Dutch, and Spain. Louis XIV agreed to return most of his territorial acquisitions made since Nijmegen, retaining only the important fortress town of Strasbourg.
In India, Pondicherry was restored to the French by the Dutch. Despite the challenging negotiations, the treaty lasted only four years before the outbreak of the War of the Spanish Succession.
The Battle of Condore was fought in the year 1758 between the English and the French nez Masulipatam.
Lord Clive sent Colonel Forde to the province of Madras, and Forde defeated Hubert De Brienne (French Commander).
The arrival of Dupleix as French India in AD 1724 saw the beginning of the Anglo-French conflict (Carnatic wars) resulting in their final defeat in India.
Dupleix captured Madras in AD 1746. He was the first to initiate the policy of intervening in quarrels of Indian princes.

Important Personalities

Personality	Information
Christopher Columbus	Discoverer of America.
Vasco da Gama	First European to discover the sea route from Europe to India.
Captain John Hawkins	First European to come during the Mughal reign.
Charles Eyre	First Chief of Fort William (Calcutta).
Sir Josiah Child	First English chief who fought with the Mughals.
Francois Martin	First French Governor of Pondicherry.
Shobha Singh	Zamindar of Burdhaman who revolted against the Mughals and supported the British East India Company.
William Hamilton	A surgeon who treated Farrukhsiyar and negotiated trade concessions for the English East India Company.
Francisco de Almeida	First Portuguese Governor.
William Norris	Representative of the British East India Company who appeared in the court of Aurangzeb to seek trade concessions.
Father Monserrate	Jesuit priest in the court of Akbar.
John Surmen	Head of the delegate who met Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar and obtained trade privileges.

Prelim Facts

Who were the first Europeans to set up Sea trade Centre in India? – Portuguese |UKPSC (Pre) 2004]
Which factory in Bengal was established by the Portuguese? – Hooghly [UPPSC (Pre) 2004}
Hooghly was used as a bare for Piracy in the Bay of Bengal by – Portuguese [IAS (Pre) 1995]
Which Portuguese Viceroy is connected with (Bhre Water Policy)? – Francisco de Almeida [UKPSC (Pre) 2016]
Who is considered as the founder of Calcutta city? – Job Charnok [UPPSC (Mains) 2004]
The first to start a Joint Stock Company to trade with India were …….• – Dutch [IAS (Pre) 1994]
Dutch East India Company established its factory at Patna in which year? – 1632 [BPSC (Pre) 2019]
Which British company got the first Charter permitting them to trade in India? – Levant Company [UPPSC (Pre) 2014]
Who was the emperor of India when the British East India Company was formed in London? – Akbar [UPPSC (Pre) 2012]
During the time of which Mughal Emperor did the English East India Company established its first factory in India ? – Jahangir [IAS (Pre) 2008, 2009]
Where in India did Britishers set up their first factory in 1613? – Surat [BPSC (Pre) 1994]
In the first quarter of 17th century, in which region did the factories of the East India Company was located? – Broach [IAS (Pre) 2021]
The first factory of the East India Company was established at Surat [UPPSC (Pre) 1990]
Which British official defeated the Portuguese at Sowlley? – Thomas Best [BPSC (Pre) 2000)
Who was the first European to imitate the policy of taking part in the quarrels of Indian Princess with a view to acquire territories ? – Dupleix IIAS (Pre) 1996]
The French India Company was constituted during the reign of – Louis XIV [UPPSC (Mains) 2014]
Who is considered as the founder of French Company in India? – Colbert [UPPSC (Mains) 2003]
From which region did the Europeans got best Shara (Saltpeter) and opium? – Bihar BPSC (Pre) 2005]
Who was the last to came to pre-Independence India as traders? – French [IAS (Pre) 2007]
Who remarked about the East India Company that the company is an anomaly, but it is a part of the system where everything is inconsistent? – TB Macaulay [UPPSC (Pre) 2012]
Which English Governor of East India Company in India was expelled by Aurangzeb? – Sir John Child IMPPSC (Pre) 2008]
The famous war of Wandiwash of AD 1760 was fought by the British against whom? – French [BPSC (Pre) 2020]
Name the French General, who was defeated in the battle of Wandiwash. – Comte De Lally [UKPSC (Pre) 2016]

UPSC NCERT Practice Questions

1. Who were the first Europeans to come to India for trade? UPPSC (Mains) 2007, JPSC (Pre) 2008

(a) Dutch

(b) English

(d) Portuguese

2. Who among the following had welcomed Vasco daCama at Calicut?

(a) Gaspar Correa

(b) Albuquerque

(d) Don Almeída

3. Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to the Portuguese? IAS (Pre) 2023

(a) Ahmad Shah

(b) Mahmud Begarha

(d) Muhammad Shah

4. Match List I with List Il and select the correct answer from the codes given below. IAS (Pre) 2000

List I	List Il
A. Vasco da Gama	1. Spain
B. Christopher Columbus	2. Portugal
C. Captain Cook	3. Holland
D. Tasman	4. Great Britain

Codes

A B C D A B C D

(a) 3 2 1 4 (b) 2 1 4 3

5. In which of the following places, the Dutch established their trading centres?

(a) Nagapattinam, Chinsura, Masulipatnam

(b) Surat, Bharuch, Agra

(d) All of the above

6. Which one of the following is the correct statement? IAS (Pre) 2005

(a) The modern Kochi was a Dutch colony till India’s Independence.

(b) The Dutch defeated the Portuguese and built Fort Williams in the modern Kochi.

(d) The modern Kochi never became a part of the British colony.

7. With reference to the Captain Hawking’s, which of the following statements is correct? UPPSC. (Pre) 2021

1. He came to India in 1611 as an envoy of James-|

2. He was very well versed in Turkish language.

(a) Neither 1 nor 2

(b) Only 1

(d) Both 1 and 2

8. During the reign of which Mughal emperor did the English East India Company establish its first factory in India? IAS (Pre) 2008, 09)

(a) Akbar

(b) Jahangir

(d) Aurangzeb

9. In India, among which of the following locations, the French established their earliest factory at IAS (Pre) 2003

(a) Surat

(b) Pulicat

(d) Kasim Bazar

10. The French East India Company was constituted during the reign of UPPSC (Mains) 2014

(a) Louis XIV

(b) Louis XIII

(d) Louis XVI

11. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below.

List I	List II
A. Pondicherry	1. Dutch
B. Goa	2. French
C. Tranquebar	3. Portuguese
D. Sadras	4. Danish (Dane)

Codes

A B C D A B C D

(a) 2 3 4 1 (b) 1 2 3 4

12. With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements. IAS (Pre) 2022

1. The Dutch established their factories/warehouses on the East coast on lands granted to them by Gajapati rulers.

2. Alfonso de Albuquerque captured Goa from the Bijapur Sultanate.

3. The English East India Company established a factory at Madras on a plot of land leased from a representative of the Vijayanagara empire.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3

Know Right Answer

1. (d)

2. (c)

3. (c)

4. (b)

5. (d)

6. (b)

7. (c)

8. (b)

9. (a)

10. (a)

11. (a)

12. (b)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who were the first Europeans to arrive in India?

A1: The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in India. Vasco da Gama reached the shores of Calicut in 1498, marking the beginning of European exploration and trade in India.

Q2: What were the major motives behind the European exploration of India?

A2: The major motives behind European exploration of India included the desire for spices, particularly pepper and cinnamon, as well as the quest for direct trade routes to circumvent the Ottoman Empire. Additionally, Europeans sought to tap into the lucrative trade networks of the Indian Ocean region.

Q3: How did the establishment of Portuguese power impact Indian trade and society?

A3: The establishment of Portuguese power in India led to significant changes in Indian trade and society. The Portuguese secured control over key ports, disrupting traditional trade routes. They also imposed heavy taxes and established monopolies, adversely affecting Indian merchants. Socially, the Portuguese introduced Christianity and attempted to convert the local population.

Q4: What was the impact of the Dutch and English East India Companies on India?

A4: The Dutch and English East India Companies played a pivotal role in shaping India’s economic landscape. They established trading posts and forts along the coast, gradually expanding their influence. The English East India Company, in particular, played a key role in the establishment of British rule in India.

Q5: How did the arrival of Europeans pave the way for colonialism in India?

A5: The arrival of Europeans laid the groundwork for colonialism in India by establishing trading outposts, fortifications, and gaining control over key regions. The competition among European powers for dominance in India ultimately led to the establishment of colonial rule, with the British East India Company emerging as a major colonial power. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in India’s history, characterized by European colonization and subsequent socio-political transformations.

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UPSC NCERT Notes – Modern History – The advent of Europeans in India