Which of the following were brought by Portuguese to India?1. First pr...
Introduction:
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a direct sea route from Europe to India. Their arrival in India in the 15th century had a significant impact on various aspects of Indian society and culture. They brought several new elements and commodities to India, including the first printing press, tobacco, and red chillies.
Explanation:
The options given are:
1. First printing press
2. Tobacco and red chillies
3. Spices
First printing press:
The Portuguese were responsible for introducing the first printing press to India. They established the first printing press in Goa in 1556. This enabled the printing of books and other materials in India for the first time. The printing press facilitated the spread of knowledge and information, leading to the growth of literature, education, and the dissemination of ideas.
Tobacco and red chillies:
The Portuguese brought tobacco and red chillies to India. Tobacco, which is native to the Americas, was introduced to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century. It quickly gained popularity and became an important commercial crop. The cultivation and consumption of tobacco spread across different parts of India.
Red chillies, another crop native to the Americas, were also brought to India by the Portuguese. The introduction of red chillies revolutionized Indian cuisine. It added a new dimension to Indian food, imparting a unique flavor and spice that became an integral part of Indian cooking.
Spices:
Although spices were already an important part of Indian culture and trade, the Portuguese played a significant role in the spice trade. They established control over key spice-producing regions such as Goa, Malabar, and Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka). The Portuguese monopoly over the spice trade allowed them to dictate prices and control the flow of spices to Europe.
The Portuguese also introduced new spices to India, such as the chili pepper and the tomato. These additions enriched the diversity of Indian spices and influenced Indian cuisine.
Conclusion:
To summarize, the Portuguese brought several new elements to India, including the first printing press, tobacco, red chillies, and influenced the spice trade. These introductions had a profound impact on Indian society, culture, and cuisine. The printing press contributed to the spread of knowledge, while tobacco, red chillies, and new spices added new flavors and dimensions to Indian cuisine.
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