Who among the following were the first to come to India and establish trade relations?a)Dutchb)Britishc)Portuguesed)FrenchCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

They were Portuguese traders(The first I.e Vascodagama) He was the first to land in India at kalikat (Kerala) in 1498 CE,through direct sea route.

Answer

The correct answer is Portuguese. Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was the first European to reach India via the Atlantic Ocean at Calicut in India. Portuguese were followed by the Dutch when they tried to enter the Indian market in the middle of the 16th century. The British and the French came much later.

Answer

The correct answer is option 'C': Portuguese.

The Portuguese were the first to come to India and establish trade relations. Here's an explanation of how and why they were the first:

1. Portuguese Exploration:
- During the 15th century, Portugal emerged as a maritime power under the leadership of Prince Henry the Navigator.
- The Portuguese were driven by the desire to find a sea route to India, bypassing the overland routes controlled by the Ottoman Empire and other powers.
- They aimed to establish direct trade relations with the source of valuable spices and other goods.

2. Vasco da Gama's Voyage:
- In 1498, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama successfully reached the port of Calicut (now Kozhikode) in India.
- His voyage opened up a direct sea route from Europe to India, which was a significant achievement in the Age of Discovery.
- Da Gama's arrival in India marked the beginning of European trade domination in the region.

3. Trade Relations:
- The Portuguese established their first factory (trading post) in Calicut in 1500.
- They began importing spices, such as pepper and cinnamon, along with other valuable commodities like silk and precious stones.
- The Portuguese also exported goods from Europe to India, including textiles, metals, and luxury items.

4. Portuguese Control and Influence:
- The Portuguese gradually expanded their control along the Indian coastline, establishing more trading posts and fortifications.
- They gained control over important ports like Goa, which became their headquarters in India.
- The Portuguese also exerted influence over local rulers, often through alliances or military force.

5. Impact on Indian Trade:
- Portuguese control over Indian trade had both positive and negative effects.
- On one hand, their presence led to the introduction of new crops, technologies, and cultural influences.
- On the other hand, their monopolistic practices and high taxes disrupted traditional trade networks and caused inflation.

6. Successors and Decline:
- The Portuguese dominance in Indian trade lasted for over a century, but they faced competition from other European powers.
- The Dutch, British, and French eventually challenged Portuguese control and established their own trading posts and colonies in India.
- By the late 17th century, the Portuguese influence had significantly declined, and they were gradually pushed out of most of their Indian possessions.

In conclusion, the Portuguese were the first to come to India and establish trade relations. Vasco da Gama's successful voyage in 1498 opened up direct European access to India, leading to the establishment of Portuguese trading posts and their dominance in Indian trade for a considerable period.

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