Fruits introduced by the Portuguese in India — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2025

Consider the following fruits:

1. Papaya
2. Pineapple
3. Guava

How many of the above were introduced in India by the Portuguese in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All the three
4. None

Explanation

All three were introduced by the Portuguese in India

• The Portuguese introduced a variety of crops and fruits to India, including:
  • potatoes,
  • sweet potatoes,
  • tobacco,
  • pineapple,
  • cashew nuts,
  • maize,
  • capsicums,
  • Papaya,
  • Sapodilla, and
  • Guava.

Answer: (c) All the three; Difficulty Level: Hard