UPSC Prelims 2025 Q75: Medieval History – Medieval India
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) All the three
- (d) None
Answer: (c) All the three
Explanation
Fruits Introduced to India by the Portuguese (16th–17th centuries)
The Portuguese arrived in India in 1498 (Vasco da Gama, Calicut). They controlled Goa from 1510 and used it as a trading hub, introducing numerous New World crops (from the Americas) and other plants to India.
| Fruit | Origin | Introduced by Portuguese? | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Papaya | Central America/Mexico | YES | Papaya (Carica papaya) is a New World crop brought by the Portuguese from their Brazil/American colonies to India via Goa. Called 'Papita' in Hindi. |
| Pineapple | South America (Brazil) | YES | Pineapple (Ananas comosus) was brought from the Americas. Portuguese encountered it in Brazil and brought it to their Asian territories. Called 'Ananas' - a Portuguese-origin word. |
| Guava | Central America/Mexico | YES | Guava (Psidium guajava) is also a New World fruit introduced via Portuguese trade routes. Called 'Amrood' in Hindi. |
All three introduced by Portuguese → Answer: All the three
Other Portuguese-introduced plants in India:
| Crop | Portuguese name clue |
|---|---|
| Cashew (Kaju) | 'Caju' = Portuguese |
| Tomato | Brought from Americas via Portugal |
| Chilli | Brought from Mexico/Americas - now India's largest producer |
| Tobacco | Americas → Portugal → India |
| Maize (corn) | Americas → Portugal → India |
Answer: (c) All the three.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. 'Only one' would mean two of the three fruits are native to India or introduced by others. All three (papaya, pineapple, guava) are New World (American) crops brought via Portuguese trade routes.
- (b) Incorrect. 'Only two' would mean one fruit was not Portuguese-introduced. All three are South/Central American crops that arrived in India through Portuguese traders based in Goa.
- (c) CORRECT. All three — papaya (Mexico/Central America), pineapple (South America/Brazil), guava (Central America) — were introduced to India by the Portuguese in the 16th–17th centuries through their Goa base.
- (d) Incorrect. 'None' would mean all three are native to India — but none of them are indigenous. All are New World plants brought to India via Portuguese colonisation.
Key point
Papaya + Pineapple + Guava = ALL introduced by Portuguese from the New World (Americas). Also: Cashew, Chilli, Tomato, Tobacco, Maize = Portuguese-introduced.
Remember
Papaya, Pineapple, and Guava were all introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th–17th centuries. They are New World (American) crops, not native to India. Goa was the Portuguese gateway.
Common mistakes
- Thinking guava or papaya are indigenous Indian fruits — both are Central American in origin and were introduced centuries ago.
- Not knowing the Portuguese role in introducing New World crops to Asia — their trade routes connected the Americas to India via Goa.
- Confusing Portuguese introductions (New World crops) with Arab/Mughal introductions (Central Asian fruits like grapes, melons) or ancient Indian fruits (mango, banana, jackfruit).
Exam tip
Portuguese = New World (Americas) crop ambassadors to India. Key mnemonic: 'PPTCGM' — Papaya, Pineapple, Tomato, Chilli, Guava, Maize = all Portuguese-introduced from Americas. Native Indian fruits: Mango, Banana, Jackfruit, Indian Gooseberry (Amla). Easy UPSC test: If it came from the Americas, the Portuguese likely brought it.
Sources
- NCERT Class VII — Our Pasts II (Chapter 6: Towns, Traders and Craftspersons)
- K.M. Panikkar — 'Asia and Western Dominance' (Portuguese trade and cultural impact)