UPSC Prelims 2008 Q56: Medieval History – European Powers & Early Colonial Contacts
During the time of which Mughal Emperor did the English East India Company establish its
first factory in India?
- (a) Akbar
- (b) Jahangir
- (c) Shahjahan
- (d) Aurangzeb
Answer: (b) Jahangir
Explanation
During which Mughal Emperor's reign the first English factory was set up
The English East India Company's first Indian trading post required Mughal imperial sanction.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Akbar | Incorrect | This factory was established after Akbar's reign |
| (b) Jahangir | Correct | The English established their first factory at Surat (1613) during the reign of Emperor Jahangir |
| (c) Shahjahan | Incorrect | This event predates Shahjahan's reign |
| (d) Aurangzeb | Incorrect | This event also predates Aurangzeb's reign |
First English factory facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Surat |
| Year | 1613 |
| Mughal Emperor | Jahangir |
Answer: (b) Jahangir.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Akbar's reign ended before this 1613 event.
- (b) CORRECT. The first English factory was established during Jahangir's reign.
- (c) Incorrect. Shahjahan's reign came after this event.
- (d) Incorrect. Aurangzeb's reign also came after this event.
Key point
The English East India Company established its first Indian factory at Surat in 1613, during the reign of Emperor Jahangir.
Remember
The English East India Company's first factory in India was established during the reign of Jahangir.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the 1613 Surat factory's timeline with other Mughal emperors' reigns.
- Not knowing the specific Jahangir association with this event.
- Mixing up the chronological sequence of Mughal emperors.
Exam tip
England's first Indian factory (Surat, 1613) = established during Emperor Jahangir's reign. A foundational colonial-era fact.
Sources
- Satish Chandra — Medieval India (NCERT textbook for Class XI)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — East India Company