GK Questions and Answers on the European conquest of India

The discovery of the sea route and the advent of European power in India had far-reaching consequences on Indian society from the middle of the 15^th century. The Europeans like Portuguese, Dutch, Danes, French and British first come to India as a trader, but over time, they became political masters of India.

1.  Who among the following was the first European to come to India?

A. Portuguese

B. British

C. French

D. Dutch

Ans: A

Explanation: Portuguese was the first European to come to India. They established trading stations at Calicut, Cochin, and Cannanore. Hence, A is the correct option.

2. Who among the following discovered the Cape Route from Europe to India?

A. Christopher Colobus

B. Vasco-da-Gama

C. Ferdinand Magellan

D. Amerigo Vespucci

Ans: B

Explanation: The Cape Route was discovered from Europe to India by Vasco-da-Gama. He reached the port of Calicut in May, 1498 AD. Hence, B is the correct option.

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3. Which of the following Portuguese Governor in India who introduced the ‘Policy of imperialism’?

A.  Francisco de Almeida

B. John Mildenhall

C. Gerald Angier

D. Alfonso de Albuquerque

Ans: D

Explanation: Alfonso de Albuquerque was the second Portuguese Governor in India who introduced the ‘Policy of Imperialism’. Hence, D is the correct option.

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4. Which of the following Portuguese Governor in India who captured Goa from the ruler of Bijapur?

A.  Francisco de Almeida

B. John Mildenhall

C. Gerald Angier

D. Alfonso de Albuquerque

Ans: D

Explanation: Alfonso de Albuquerque was the first Portuguese Governor in India who captured Goa from the ruler of Bijapur in 1510 AD. Hence, D is the correct option.

5. The English East India Company was formed by a group of merchants known as the ______ in 1600 AD.

A.  Merchant Adventures

B. English Trader

C. Duke Trading Community

D. Cox & King

Ans: A

Explanation: The English East India Company was formed by a group of merchants known as the Merchant Adventures in 1600 AD. Hence, A is the correct option.

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6. Who among the following British explorer and adventurer and one of the first to make an overland journey to India?

A. Francis Dey

B. John Mildenhall

C. Gerald Angier

D. Captain Hawkins

Ans: B

Explanation: John Mildenhall or John Midnall was a British explorer and adventurer and one of the first to make an overland journey to India. He was the self-styled ambassador of the British East India Company in India. Hence, B is the correct option.

7. In which place the first factory of East India Company was built?

A. Masulipatnam

B. Nagapatnam

C. Surat

D. Bombay

Ans: C

Explanation: The first factory of East India Company was built at Surat in 1613 AD. Hence, C is the correct option.

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8. Who among the following European forced to sell all their settlements in India to the British?

A. Dutch

B. Portuguese

C. Danish

D. French

Ans: C

Explanation: The Danish formed an East India Company and arrived in India in 1616 AD. They established settlements at Tranquerbar (in Tamil Nadu) in 1620 AD and at Serampore (Bengal) in 1676 AD. However, they failed to strengthen themselves in India and were forced to sell all their settlements in India to the British. Hence, C is the correct option.

9.  Who among the following obtained the site of Madras from the Raja of Chandragiri?

A. Francis Dey

B. John Mildenhall

C. Gerald Angier

D. Captain Hawkins

Ans: A

Explanation: In 1639, Francis Dey obtained the site of Madras from the Raja of Chandragiri with permission to build a fortified factory, which was named Fort St. George. Hence, A is the correct option.

1000+ GK Questions & Answers on Indian History