Consider the following statements about the early modern technology in...
Statement 1: The Portuguese brought European movable metal types to Goa in 1550.
This statement is correct. The Portuguese were one of the first European powers to establish a presence in India. They brought with them various technological advancements, including movable metal types for printing. These types were used to print books and other materials in European languages.
Statement 2: The first Indian script of which types were prepared was Tamil.
This statement is correct. The Tamil script is one of the oldest scripts in India and has a rich literary tradition. It was one of the first Indian scripts for which types were prepared. The movable types allowed for the printing of Tamil books and manuscripts, aiding in the dissemination of Tamil literature.
Statement 3: The English Company's first experiment with printing press was at Calcutta.
This statement is incorrect. The English East India Company's first experiment with a printing press did not take place in Calcutta, but in Madras (now Chennai). In 1674, the company imported a printing press to Madras and set up a printing house. This marked the beginning of the English East India Company's involvement in the printing industry in India.
Statement 4: The English Company imported printing press to India in 1674-75 at the request of Bhimji Parak.
This statement is correct. The English East India Company imported a printing press to Madras in 1674-75 at the request of a Parsi businessman named Bhimji Parak. Parak recognized the potential of printing for commercial and educational purposes and approached the English East India Company to import a printing press. The company agreed, and this led to the establishment of the first printing house in Madras.
In conclusion, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect. The Portuguese brought movable metal types to Goa, the first Indian script for which types were prepared was Tamil, and the English East India Company imported a printing press to India at the request of Bhimji Parak. The company's first experiment with a printing press took place in Madras, not Calcutta.