Q. Consider the following fruits:
I. Papaya
II. Pineapple
III. Guava
How many of the above were introduced in India by the Portuguese in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All the three
(d) None
Correct Answer : (c) All the three
UPSC Prelims 2025 GS Paper's Solution
Explanation :
All three fruits listed – Papaya, Pineapple, and Guava – were introduced to India by the Portuguese in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Papaya: Papaya was introduced to India in the 16th century, brought by the Portuguese from the Americas, likely via the Caribbean and then Malaysia around 1550.
Pineapple: Pineapple cultivation was introduced to India by the Portuguese in 1548 AD, bringing it from Brazil.
Guava: Guava, native to tropical America, was introduced to India by the Portuguese in the early 17th century.
Therefore, all three fruits were introduced by the Portuguese during the specified period.
