UPSC Mantra

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in India in the late 15th century. They were followed by the Dutch, the English, the French, and the Danes. The Portuguese established trading posts in Goa, Diu, and Daman. They also acquired the island of Bombay from the British and made it their main base on the western coast of India. The Dutch established trading posts in Surat, Chinsurah, and Cochin. They were particularly interested in the spice trade. The English East India Company was founded in 1600 and established its first trading post in Surat. They later moved their base to Madras and Calcutta. The French East India Company was founded in 1664 and established trading posts in Pondicherry, Mahe, and Chandernagore. The Danes established a trading post in Tranquebar in 1620. The Europeans brought with them modern technology, such as firearms, printing presses, and machinery, which helped to modernize the Indian economy. However, they also imposed their culture and religion on