With reference to the entry of European powers into India, which one of the following statements is not correct?

1. The Portuguese captured Goa in 1499
2. The English opened their first factory in South India at Masulipattam
3. In Eastern India, the English Company opened its first factory in Orissa in 1633
4. Under the leadership of Dupleix, the French occupied Madras in 1746

Explanation

Option (a) is the correct answer

• With the help of the emperor of Vijayanagar, Albuquerque attacked and captured Goa from the Sultan of Bijapur in 1510.

All other options are factually correct

• In 1611, the English started trading at Masulipatnam and later established a factory there in 1616. The English opened their first factory in the South at Masulipatam in 1611 (Temporary). In Eastern India, the English Company opened its first factory at Balasore in Orissa in 1633 and Hugli in Bengal in 1651. Immediately on its arrival, Dupleix, the French Governor-General at Pondicherry, occupied Madras in 1746 and thus began the First Carnatic War (Anglo-French War) (1746-48).

Answer: (a) The Portuguese captured Goa in 1499