Q. With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements:
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 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2022 GS Paper
Explanation :
European Powers and Their Trading Posts
The colonial history of India is marked by the presence of various European powers that established their trading posts and colonies. The influence of these European entities has left a lasting impact on the subcontinent’s historical and cultural landscape.
Dutch in India
Contrary to the belief that the Dutch were granted lands by the Gajapati rulers, they established their presence on the east coast of India through their own negotiations. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) set up factories, particularly in Pulicat, which was under the Vijayanagara Empire’s domain before coming under the Sultanate of Golconda.
Portuguese Conquest of Goa
Alfonso de Albuquerque played a pivotal role in the expansion of the Portuguese empire in India. In 1510, he captured Goa from the Bijapur Sultanate, establishing it as the center of Portuguese colonial rule in the East.
English East India Company in Madras
English East India Company was successful in establishing a factory at Madras (now Chennai) by leasing land from a local Nayak, who was a representative of the Vijayanagara Empire. This strategic move in 1639 led to the construction of Fort St. George and the development of the city of Madras.
In conclusion, statements “2 and 3 only” are correct regarding the establishment of European colonies in India.
