English EIC factories in early 17th century – UPSC Prelims PYQ 2021

In the first quarter of the seventeenth century, in which of the following was/were the factory/factories of the English East India Company located?

1. Broach
2. Chicacole
3. Trichinopoly

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2
3. 3 only
4. 2 and 3

Explanation

Option (a) is correct

• The English East India Company (EIC), initially focused on the spice trade with Indonesia and the Spice Islands, shifted its attention towards India due to the high demand for Indian textiles and other goods.
• List of important British Factories in India:
  • Surat (1613)
  • Masulipatnam (1616) The English opened their first factory in the South at Masulipatam in 1611 (Temporary).
  • Patna (1620)
  • Broach (1623)
  • Balasore (1633)
  • Madras (1639)
  • Hugli (1651)
  • Bombay (1668)

Answer: (a) 1 only; Difficulty Level: Hard