At which place The East India Company established its first factory?a)Bombayb)Suratc)Calcuttad)MadrasCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

The East India Company arrived first at Surat, India in 1608 in the ship Hector and within a few years had established a permanent factory there. Surat was the port used by the textile manufacturers of Gujarat and was the most important centre for the overseas trade of the Mughal Empire.

Answer

The first English factory in India was established at Surat. However, after four centuries, these early footmarks of the British had been wiped out. There were no remains of a factory or a warehouse. According to historian HG Rawlinson, the factory in Surat was one of the best one. It was a two-storey building. The location was not far from the Surat fort. The fort was said to have been commissioned by Sultan Mahmud III. Surat was one of the most important ports for trading with the Mughals. This port was used by the textile manufacturers of Gujarat. However, the Portuguese were already trading with the Mughals and they were the master of the sea. It would take a lot of time for the British to take over. In 1612, the factory of the East India Company was established in Surat

Answer

First Factory of The East India Company
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The East India Company established its first factory in Surat, India.

Surat was a prominent port city located in the western part of India, which made it an ideal location for the company to set up its first trading post.

Reasons for Choosing Surat
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1. **Strategic Location**: Surat was strategically located on the western coast of India, making it easily accessible for trade with different parts of the country and abroad.

2. **Established Trade Hub**: Surat was already a well-established trade hub with a thriving textile industry, which attracted the East India Company to set up its operations there.

3. **Proximity to Gujarat**: Surat's proximity to the state of Gujarat, which was known for its rich resources and skilled workforce, further made it an attractive location for the company.

Impact of Surat Factory
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The establishment of the factory in Surat marked the beginning of the East India Company's presence in India. Over time, the company expanded its operations to other parts of the country, eventually gaining control over large territories and becoming a dominant force in the region.

In conclusion, Surat's strategic location, established trade network, and proximity to resources made it an ideal choice for The East India Company to establish its first factory in India.

Similar UPSC Doubts

At which place The East India Company established its first factory?

With reference to the British East India Company, which one of the following events happened the earliest?

Consider the following pairs:1. Bombay given to East India Company - 16682. English factory established at Surat - 16163. Golden Farman issued by Sultan of Golconda - 16324. Foundation of Fort St. George in Madras - 1639How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

Where the first factory was established by British East India Company

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