Medieval Chapters

1. Early Medieval Period2. North India (Rajputana Period)3. South India (Cholas and Others)4. Sultanate Period I5. The Delhi Sultanate II6. Vijayanagar and Other Kingdoms7. Religious Movements (Medieval)8. Bhakti Movement9. Sufi Movement10. Mughal Period11. Maratha State and Maratha Confederacy12. The Advent of the Europeans

The Advent of the Europeans (15th – 17th Century)

“The arrival of European powers marked the beginning of colonial influence in India, impacting trade, politics, and society.”

Early European Explorations

  • Portuguese Arrival: Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in 1498, opening sea route from Europe to India.
  • Motivation: Europeans sought spices, silk, and other valuable goods, aiming to control trade routes.
  • Other Explorers: Dutch, French, and British followed, establishing trading posts.

Establishment of Trading Posts

  • Portuguese: Goa (captured in 1510), Daman, Diu became key centers.
  • Dutch East India Company: Established bases in Surat, Masulipatnam, and other coastal towns.
  • British East India Company: Founded in 1600; trading posts in Surat, Madras (Chennai), Bombay (Mumbai), and Calcutta (Kolkata).
  • French East India Company: Established in 1664; Pondicherry became main base.

European Impact on India

  • Trade Monopoly: Europeans tried to control spice and textile trade.
  • Political Interference: Began to interfere in Indian politics using alliances and wars.
  • Military Technology: Introduced firearms and new military techniques.
  • Cultural Exchange: Spread of Christianity and European ideas.
  • Decline of Indian powers: Gradual weakening of the Delhi Sultanate and regional kingdoms.

Key Conflicts

  • Battle of Swally (1612) – British defeated Portuguese near Surat.
  • Anglo-French conflicts in South India (Carnatic Wars) during the 18th century.
  • European rivalry intensified over control of Indian territories and trade.

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC CGL 2019: Who was the first European to reach India by sea?
  • → Vasco da Gama
  • RRB NTPC 2020: Which city became the main Portuguese base in India?
  • → Goa
  • HSSC 2018: When was the British East India Company founded?
  • → 1600
  • SSC CHSL 2017: What was the significance of the Battle of Swally?
  • → It marked the British victory over the Portuguese, establishing their naval presence.
  • UPSC 2016: Name the French trading settlement in India.
  • → Pondicherry
Did You Know? Vasco da Gama’s voyage opened the sea route that connected Europe directly to Asia, revolutionizing world trade.

Conclusion

The advent of Europeans in India marked the start of colonial influence that reshaped India’s economy, politics, and culture and laid the foundation for British colonial rule.

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