Which European power came to India after the decline of the Portuguese...
The Dutch established themselves in India after the decline of the Portuguese power. They obtained a farman from the ruler of Golconda and set up a base in Masulipatnam.
Which European power came to India after the decline of the Portuguese...
After the decline of the Portuguese in India, the Dutch were the European power that came to India. The Dutch East India Company, also known as the VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie), arrived in India in the early 17th century and established their presence in various regions.
The Dutch in India
- The Dutch established their first factory in the Indian city of Masulipatnam (present-day Machilipatnam) in 1605, followed by other trading posts in places like Pulicat (present-day Pazhaverkadu), Surat, Cochin (Kochi), and Nagapattinam.
- They primarily focused on the spice trade, particularly in the Malabar region of Kerala, where they traded pepper and other spices.
- The Dutch also established a significant presence in the Coromandel Coast of India, with their main settlement being in Pulicat.
- They constructed forts and established trading posts, which not only served as centers of trade but also as military and administrative bases.
Impact of the Dutch in India
- The Dutch brought about changes in the Indian trade and economy. They introduced new agricultural practices and crops, such as sugarcane, indigo, and coffee, which had a significant impact on the local economy.
- They also played a role in the development of Indian shipbuilding and navigation techniques, as they built ships and trained Indian sailors.
- The Dutch had conflicts with other European powers, particularly the English and the Portuguese, over control of trade routes and territories in India. These conflicts sometimes led to wars and skirmishes.
Decline of the Dutch in India
- The Dutch presence in India started declining in the late 17th century. They faced fierce competition from the English and the French, who were expanding their influence in India.
- The Dutch also faced financial difficulties, as their operations in other parts of the world were not yielding expected profits.
- Ultimately, the British East India Company and the French East India Company emerged as the dominant European powers in India, pushing the Dutch out of the picture.
In conclusion, the Dutch were the European power that came to India after the decline of the Portuguese. They established trading posts and had a significant presence in various parts of the country, particularly in the spice trade. However, they faced competition from the English and the French and eventually declined in India.
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