In the context of European conquest of India, where did the Dutch esta...
In 1602, the United East India Company of the Netherlands was formed and given permission by the Dutch government to trade in the East Indies including India. The Dutch founded their first factory in Masaulipatam in Andhra Pradesh in 1605. Hence option (b) is the correct answer. They went on to establish trading centers in different parts of India and thus became a threat to the Portuguese.
They captured Nagapatam near Madras (Chennai) from the Portuguese and made it their main stronghold in South India. Participating in the redistributive or carrying trade, they brought to the islands of the Far East various articles and merchandise from India. They carried indigo manufactured in the Yamuna valley and Central India, textiles and silk from Bengal, Gujarat, and the Coromandel, saltpeter from Bihar and opium, and rice from the Ganga valley.
In the context of European conquest of India, where did the Dutch esta...
b. Masulipatam
Masulipatam was the location where the Dutch established their first factory in India during the European conquest. Below are some key points explaining this choice:
Location:
- Masulipatam is located in the present-day state of Andhra Pradesh, on the southeastern coast of India.
- It was strategically positioned for trade with Southeast Asia, making it an attractive location for European powers.
Dutch East India Company:
- The Dutch East India Company, also known as the VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie), established their factory in Masulipatam in 1605.
- The Dutch were primarily interested in trade, particularly in textiles and spices, in the Indian subcontinent.
Competition with other European Powers:
- The Dutch faced competition from other European powers like the Portuguese, British, and French in establishing their presence in India.
- Masulipatam served as a strategic location for the Dutch to compete with their rivals and expand their trade network.
Impact:
- The establishment of the Dutch factory in Masulipatam marked the beginning of Dutch colonial presence in India.
- It also paved the way for further Dutch settlements and trading posts in different parts of the country.
In conclusion, Masulipatam was chosen as the location for the Dutch's first factory in India due to its strategic position for trade and competition with other European powers. This marked the beginning of Dutch colonial influence in the Indian subcontinent.