The Advent Of Europeans To India — Important Questions

Goa

Step 1: Alfonso de Albuquerque, who came after Almeida, is considered the real founder of Portuguese power in India. Step 2: In 1510, he waged a successful battle against the Sultan of Bijapur. Step 3: Through this victory, he won control of Goa, a strategically important coastal city. Step 4: Goa became the administrative center of Portuguese administration in India due to its excellent port facilities and strategic location. Step 5: While Calicut was where Vasco da Gama first landed, and Cochin and Surat were trading posts, Goa served as the main headquarters for Portuguese operations in Ind

Marthanda Varma

Step 1: Raja Marthanda Varma ruled Travancore from 1729 to 1758 during a crucial period in Kerala's history. Step 2: He successfully rescued his principality from both surrounding Indian rulers and European colonizers who were greedy for pepper trade. Step 3: In 1741, the Dutch declared war on Travancore with support from provinces like Kayamkulam, Kochi, Purakkad, and Vadakunkur. Step 4: Marthanda Varma's army strongly defeated the Dutch forces, who suffered huge losses. Step 5: Finally, on 15th August 1753, a treaty was signed where Dutch forces surrendered their power to the Travancore prov

Fort St. George

Step 1: In 1639, the English took control of Madras from the King of Chandragiri. Step 2: They established a strong fortification at this strategic location on the east coast of India. Step 3: This fort was named Fort St. George and became one of the major English strongholds in South India. Step 4: Fort William was built later in Calcutta (1690) around three villages purchased from the Bengal governor. Step 5: Fort St. George in Madras, along with Bombay and Calcutta, became one of the three main centers of English Presidencies by the end of the 17th century.

Pondicherry

Step 1: The French East India Company started as a government-owned company in 1664 and established factories across India. Step 2: In 1674, the French took Valikondapuram from a local Muslim official. Step 3: They developed this location as a major trade center and later renamed it Puduchery or Pondicherry. Step 4: This became the capital of French territories in India and remained so until they left India. Step 5: While Chandranagore, Mahe, and Karaikal were also French settlements, Pondicherry served as the administrative headquarters and was the center of French power in India.