UPSC Prelims 2003 Q17: Modern History – Advent Of Europeans & British Expansion
In India, among the following locations, the Dutch established their earliest factory at
- (a) Surat
- (b) Pullicat
- (c) Cochin
- (d) Cassimbazar
Answer: (b) Pullicat
Explanation
> Note for students: The first Dutch factory in India was at Masulipatam (1605), which is not an option; Pulicat is the earliest among the options, so choose (b).
Earliest Dutch factory in India
| Place | Dutch factory |
|---|---|
| Pulicat | Dutch factory from about 1610, with Fort Geldria |
| Surat | Dutch factory from 1616 |
| Cochin | Dutch took it in 1663 |
| Cassimbazar | Later, in Bengal |
Among the options, the earliest Dutch factory was at Pulicat (c. 1610); the very first Dutch factory in India was at Masulipatam (1605), which is not among the options.
Answer: (b) Pullicat.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Surat factory came in 1616.
- (b) CORRECT. Pulicat was the earliest among these.
- (c) Incorrect. Cochin was taken from the Portuguese in 1663.
- (d) Incorrect. Cassimbazar came later in Bengal.
Key point
Dutch: Masulipatam 1605, Pulicat 1610, Surat 1616, Chinsura 1653, Cochin 1663.
Remember
Pulicat was an early Dutch factory in India.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Surat, the English first factory.
- Forgetting Masulipatam as the very first.
- Placing Cochin's capture too early.
Exam tip
Dutch East India Company: Pulicat headquarters until Nagapattinam.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India (Advent of the Europeans in India)