🏛️ History & Art-CultureUPSC 2008Dynasties of Central India

During the time of which Mughal Emperor did the English East India Company establish its first factory in India?

a​Akbar
bJahangir
c​Shahjahan
dAurangzeb
✓ Correct answer: b) Jahangir
ExplanationThe English East India Company established its first factory in India in 1613 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir (1605-1627).This historic milestone was achieved when Jahangir granted the Company permission to set up a trading post in Surat, following diplomatic efforts by Sir Thomas Roe.The factory in Surat marked the beginning of a sustained British commercial presence in India and was crucial for accessing the lucrative Indian spice and textile markets.Surat, being a major port city, was central to maritime trade in the Arabian Sea, attracting not only the British but also the Portuguese, Dutch, and other European powers.72

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