Question

Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta were the anglicized names of _______ where the British first set up trading posts.

• A. Cities
• B. Villages
• C. Towns
• D. Capitals

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Madras (now Chennai), Bombay (now Mumbai), and Calcutta (now Kolkata) were the anglicized names of Indian cities that played a crucial role in the early expansion of British power in India. The British East India Company initially established trading posts in these locations, which gradually evolved into significant administrative and economic hubs. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Madras (Chennai): Fort St. George, established in 1644, became the first major British trading post in India. The city served as a vital center for the Company's textile trade. It became the capital of the Madras Presidency, one of the three major provinces of British India.
• Bombay (Mumbai): Initially a Portuguese possession, Bombay was ceded to the British Crown in 1661 as part of Catherine of Braganza's dowry when she married Charles II. The East India Company leased the islands and developed it into a major port and trading center, particularly for cotton. It later became the capital of the Bombay Presidency.
• Calcutta (Kolkata): Job Charnock, an agent of the East India Company, is traditionally credited with founding Calcutta in 1690, although the precise circumstances are debated. Fort William was established and became the center of British power in Bengal. Calcutta served as the capital of British India until 1911, making it a politically and economically significant city.

These cities provided the British with access to valuable resources, strategic locations for trade, and bases from which to expand their influence across the Indian subcontinent. The establishment of these trading posts marked a turning point in the history of India, eventually leading to British colonial rule.

Answer 2

Madras (now Chennai), Bombay (now Mumbai), and Calcutta (now Kolkata) were the anglicized names of key Indian cities that played a pivotal role in the early spread of British influence in India. The British East India Company initially set up trading posts in these cities, which later grew into important administrative and economic centers. Here's a more detailed overview:

Madras (Chennai): Established in 1644, Fort St. George became the first significant British trading post in India. The city was crucial for the Company's textile trade and eventually became the capital of the Madras Presidency, one of the three main provinces of British India.

Bombay (Mumbai): Originally a Portuguese territory, Bombay was handed over to the British Crown in 1661 as part of Catherine of Braganza's dowry when she married Charles II. The East India Company leased the islands and transformed it into a major port and trading hub, particularly for cotton. Later, it became the capital of the Bombay Presidency.

Calcutta (Kolkata): Job Charnock, an East India Company agent, is traditionally credited with founding Calcutta in 1690, though the exact circumstances are debated. Fort William was established there, becoming the heart of British power in Bengal. Calcutta served as the capital of British India until 1911, solidifying its role as a major political and economic center.

These cities offered the British strategic locations for trade, access to valuable resources, and served as bases from which they could expand their influence throughout the Indian subcontinent. The creation of these trading posts marked a significant turning point in India's history, ultimately leading to British colonial rule.