Who among the following Europeans were the last to come to pre-independence India as traders?
✓ Correct answer: c) French
ExplanationThe arrival of European trading powers in India marked a turning point in the subcontinent’s history.The Portuguese, Dutch, English, and French came at different times, competing for control over trade and resources.The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in India, with Vasco da Gama reaching Calicut in 1498. The Dutch East India Company established trading posts in India starting in the early 17th century, , with their first factory in Masulipatnam (in Andhra) in 1605. The English East India Company began operations in India in the early 17th century, with their first factory established in Surat in 1613. Over time, they became dominant in India.The French were the last Europeans to arrive as traders in India.The French East India Company was founded in 1664, and they established their first factory in Surat in 1668, followed by Pondicherry (Puducherry) in 1674. 11
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