The Portuguese were the first European country to establish their presence as traders in India. They arrived in the late 15th century, led by Vasco da Gama, and established profitable trading routes and colonies along the western coast of India.
Detailed answer to your question
The first European country to establish its presence as a trader in India was Portugal. Led by the explorer Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese arrived in India in the late 15th century and became pioneers in establishing profitable trading routes and colonies along the western coast of India.
Interesting facts about Portugal’s arrival in India as a trader:
- Vasco da Gama’s expedition departed from Portugal in 1497 with the aim of finding a direct sea route to India. After a challenging journey, he successfully reached the port of Calicut (now Kozhikode) in India in May 1498.
- The Portuguese were attracted to India primarily for its lucrative spice trade, especially the highly valued black pepper that was in high demand in Europe during that time.
- The establishment of a Portuguese trade monopoly in India led to intense competition with other European powers eager to gain access to the region’s abundant resources.
- The Portuguese created a series of fortresses and trading posts along the Indian coastline, including Goa (which became their headquarters), Daman, Diu, and other strategic locations.
- They also played a significant role in introducing new trade goods and practices to India, such as firearms and the concept of fortified trading settlements.
- Notably, the Portuguese also influenced Indian cuisine, introducing foods like chilies and potatoes, which are now integral to Indian culinary traditions.
Famous quote:
“The Portuguese were the first of the modern European people to have established themselves on the shores of maritime India.” – Sardar K.M. Panikkar, Indian historian and diplomat.
Here is a table showcasing some key European traders in India during the colonial era:
| European Countries | Notable Traders | Year of Arrival in India |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Vasco da Gama | Late 15th Century |
| Netherlands | Dutch East India Company | Early 17th Century |
| England | British East India Company | Early 17th Century |
| France | Compagnie de Indes Orientales | Late 17th Century |
| Denmark | Danish East India Company | Early 18th Century |
Please note that this information is based on historical records and may vary based on different sources and interpretations.
Associated video
This video explores the arrival of European powers in India, starting with the Portuguese in 1498. Seeking profit, the Portuguese gained permission to trade spices in Malabar. Other Europeans like the Dutch, Danish, and French soon followed, but it was the British East India Company that eventually emerged as the dominant trading nation in India after bitter wars with the French. In 1600, the Queen of England granted the East India Company the authorization to trade with India and Asia, particularly in spices.
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The PortugueseThe Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in India and the last to leave. In c. 1498 CE, Vasco da Gama of Portugal discovered a new sea route from Europe to India.
The Portuguese The first European to arrive in India were Portuguese. They were the first to set up their trading post in India. With their improved ships and use of force, they drove the Arab traders away from Indian markets. Vasco da Gama was the first person who discovered a new route.
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was the first European to reach India via the Atlantic Ocean at Calicut in India. Portuguese were followed by the Dutch when they tried to enter the Indian market in the middle of the 16th century.
Portuguese Portuguese were the first to arrive at India for the trade and were also the last to leave India on the sea route. After Vasco da Gama, Francisco de Almeida arrived in India as the Viceroy of Portuguese.
October 28, 2017 October 28, 2017 Portuguese were the first Europeans to start trade with India. After the fall of Ottoman Empire and capture of Constantinople in 1453 it became difficult for Europeans to trade with India via land route.
Hint: European trading companies first arrived in India in the 18th century. The first European that arrived in India through a direct sea route was a Portuguese known as Vasco da Gama. He took with him a rich cargo while returning back and sold it at the market in Europe at a huge price.
Vasco Da Gama found the Cape of Good Hope route from Europe to India and reached Calicut in 1498. He was received by the Hindu ruler of Calicut Zamorin. Portuguese established trading stations at Calicut, Cannanore and Cochin.
More interesting on the topic
Subsequently, Who was the first European to trade with India?
The response is: Portuguese
Portuguese were the first Europeans to start trade with India.
In this regard, Which nations came to India as a trader?
The Dutch Republic, England, France, and Denmark–Norway all established trading posts in India in the early 17th century.
Similar
In this way, When did Europe start trading with India?
In modern times the trade relations between India and Europe can be traced from 15th century. The Indian products specially textile, spices, silk and stones were much demanded in European markets.
Just so, Which was the last European country to come to India as traders? the French
The last European peoples to arrive in India were the French under the auspices of the French East India Company. The French East India Company was formed in 1664 AD during the reign of King Louis XIV to trade with India.
In this regard, Who was the first European to trade with India?
On May 20th 1498 Portuguese explorer Vasco-Da-Gama landed in Kozhikode and became the first European to discovered the sea route to India and allowed Portugal to establish a rich trade with India and Southeast Asia. Question = Which was the first European country to start trade with India first?
In this way, Who were the last Europeans to come to India?
In reply to that: French were the last European who came to India as traders. French came to India in 1668 for trade. They were the last European to visit India and before them, Portuguese, Dutch, British etc. had come for trade in India. Portuguese first came for trade in India in 1498 AD.
In respect to this, How did India trade with other Asian countries? The trade relationship continued between India, Europe and other Asian countries even during middle ages. The Arab merchants carried the Asian merchandise into Constantinople of Eastern Roman (Byzantium) empire. Italian merchants would buy these goods and then sell in European countries.
Regarding this, How did Portuguese influence the history of India?
The reply will be: With success of Portuguese, many Dutch, French and English arrived at India for trade. This development not only changed the history of India, it also changed the history of European countries. Portuguese were the first to arrive at India for the trade and were also the last to leave India on the sea route.
People also ask, Who was the first European to trade with India?
Response will be: On May 20th 1498 Portuguese explorer Vasco-Da-Gama landed in Kozhikode and became the first European to discovered the sea route to India and allowed Portugal to establish a rich trade with India and Southeast Asia. Question = Which was the first European country to start trade with India first?
Similarly, How did India trade with other Asian countries?
The trade relationship continued between India, Europe and other Asian countries even during middle ages. The Arab merchants carried the Asian merchandise into Constantinople of Eastern Roman (Byzantium) empire. Italian merchants would buy these goods and then sell in European countries.
Then, What is Indian trade?
The answer is: The term Indian Trade in this context describes the people involved in the trade. The products involved varied by region and era. In most of Canada, the term is synonymous with the fur trade, since fur for making beaver hatswas by far the most valuable product of the trade, from the European point of view.
Who was the first European explorer to reach India?
The correct answer is Portuguese. Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was the first European to reach India via the Atlantic Ocean at Calicut in India. Portuguese were followed by the Dutch when they tried to enter the Indian market in the middle of the 16th century. The British and the French came much later.