UPSC Prelims 2021 Q33: Modern History – Advent Of Europeans & British Expansion
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
English East India Company Factories: First Half of 17th Century
| Location | Factory Established? | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Broach (Bharuch) | YES | Established 1613 (early Gujarat factory, before Surat rose). |
| 2. Chicacole (Srikakulam, AP) | NO (17th c. first half) | Coromandel expansion began late 17th c. |
| 3. Trichinopoly (Tiruchirappalli, TN) | NO (17th c. first half) | Inland Tamil Nadu presence came in 18th c. via Anglo-French wars. |
Only Broach had an English factory in the first half of 17th century (established 1613). Answer: (a).
Early English factories (1600-1650): Surat (1613), Broach (1613), Ahmedabad (1613), Agra (1620), Masulipatnam (1611), Madras (Fort St George, 1639). Chicacole and Trichinopoly are late 17th c./18th c. presence.
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Only Broach (Bharuch) had an English East India Company factory in the first half of the 17th century - established 1613 along with Surat and Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
- (b) Incorrect. Chicacole (Srikakulam, AP) is a late 17th c./early 18th c. presence.
- (c) Incorrect. Trichinopoly (Tamil Nadu inland) came under British influence only in the 18th c. after Carnatic Wars.
- (d) Incorrect. Both Chicacole and Trichinopoly are post-1650 presence.
Key point
Early English factories (1600-1650): Surat, Broach, Ahmedabad (all 1613, Gujarat), Masulipatnam (1611), Agra (1620), Madras/Fort St George (1639). Chicacole and Trichinopoly are LATE 17th/18th c.
Remember
In the first half of the 17th century, only Broach had an English East India Company factory (established 1613 along with Surat and Ahmedabad in Gujarat). Chicacole and Trichinopoly are late 17th/18th century presence. Correct answer: (a) 1 only.
Common mistakes
- Confusing early factory sites (Gujarat coast, Masulipatnam) with later territorial acquisitions (Bengal, inland Tamil Nadu).
- Not knowing Broach was one of the first three Gujarat factories established after 1612 Battle of Swally against Portuguese.
- Assuming British controlled all coastal areas by 1650. Their presence was limited to Gujarat, Coromandel coast, and small trading posts.
Exam tip
British factory timeline: Masulipatnam (1611) - Surat (1613) - Broach/Ahmedabad (1613) - Agra (1620) - Fort St George/Madras (1639) - Hugli (1651) - Bombay (1668) - Calcutta (1690). Learn this sequence for early modern history.
Sources
- NCERT Themes in Indian History Part III - Chapter on Colonialism
- William Foster - English Factories in India (1618-1669)