Advent of Europeans & British East India Company
Delhi Police Exam History Section
Why Europeans came to India?
Main reason = Trade
India at that time was famous for spices, cotton, silk, indigo, muslin, perfumes, precious stones etc.
Which Europeans came first?
| Europeans | Arrival in India | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Portuguese | First (1498) | Vasco da Gama arrived at Calicut. Established first factory at Cochin. |
| Dutch (Netherlands) | Second (1605) | Strong in spice islands (Indonesia) |
| British | Third (1600) | East India Company formed by Royal Charter in 1600 |
| Danish | Fourth | Small presence in Bengal & Tamil Nadu |
| French | Last (1664) | French East India Company formed |
Key fact: Portuguese were 1st, French were last.
Portuguese Rule in India
First European to come & stay permanently
Vasco da Gama landed in Calicut (1498)
Goa captured by Afonso de Albuquerque (1510)
Introduced: tobacco, tomatoes, potatoes, chillies to India
(very important exam point)
British East India Company
Established: 1600 (Queen Elizabeth I Charter)
First English factory: Surat (1613)
Later established factories at Madras, Bombay, Calcutta
Important British Battles
| Battle | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Battle of Plassey | 1757 | British defeated Siraj ud-Daulah (foundation of British rule in India) |
| Battle of Buxar | 1764 | British defeated Bengal + Awadh + Mughal (gave Diwani rights) |
After Buxar → British became real rulers in India.
Why British became dominant over other Europeans?
Strong navy
Superior military organization
Used diplomacy + divide and rule
Strong private capital support
Quick Recap (5 Short Points)
Portuguese came first → Vasco da Gama (1498)
British East India Company formed 1600
English first factory → Surat (1613)
Plassey (1757) → British political power starts
Buxar (1764) → Confirmed British control in Bengal
Sample MCQs
Vasco da Gama reached India in which year?
Options: (a) 1600 (b) 1498 (c) 1757 (d) 1764
View Answer
B. 1498
Battle of Plassey was fought in:
Options: (a) 1576 (b) 1757 (c) 1764 (d) 1857
View Answer
B. 1757
First British factory in India was at:
Options: (a) Goa (b) Surat (c) Madras (d) Calicut
View Answer
B. Surat
Previous Year Pattern Questions
Who captured Goa for Portuguese?
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
Afonso de Albuquerque captured Goa for Portuguese in 1510
Name the battle which laid foundation of British rule.
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
Battle of Plassey (1757) laid the foundation of British rule in India
When was East India Company established?
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
East India Company was established in 1600
You've completed Advent of Europeans Concepts!
Courage Tip: Remember the chronological order of European arrival - Portuguese (1498), Dutch (1605), British (1600), Danish, French (1664). Focus on key events like Vasco da Gama's arrival, establishment of British East India Company, and the crucial battles of Plassey and Buxar. The Portuguese introduction of American crops (tomatoes, potatoes, chillies) is frequently tested. Understanding why British succeeded over other Europeans is important for comprehensive knowledge.
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