Hooghly was used as a base for piracy in the Bay of Bengal by :

Correct option is A

The Portuguese used Hooghly as a base for piracy in the Bay of Bengal. They first settled in Hooghly in 1579 after obtaining permission from Mughal Emperor Akbar to trade. Over time, they misused their privileges, imposing heavy taxes, conducting forced conversions, and engaging in piracy. Their presence and activities in Hooghly led to a deterioration of relations with the Mughal Empire. Finally, in 1632, Emperor Shah Jahan's forces attacked and expelled the Portuguese from Hooghly.

Information Booster:

1. Hooghly as a Trading Hub: Portuguese presence turned Hooghly into a key port for trade with Southeast Asia.
2. Piracy: They disrupted local and international trade routes, affecting Mughal revenue and regional commerce.
3. Religious Tensions: Portuguese missionaries engaged in forced conversions, angering local populations.
4. Shah Jahan’s Retaliation: A massive military campaign led to their expulsion.
5. Legacy: Despite their expulsion, the Portuguese left a significant impact on India’s maritime trade.
6. Impact on Mughals: Hooghly's misuse highlighted the challenges of granting autonomous trading rights to foreign powers.
7. Portuguese Decline: Their expulsion marked the beginning of the decline of Portuguese dominance in India.

Additional Knowledge:

• The French (b): Established settlements in India, including Puducherry and Chandernagore, focusing on trade rather than piracy.
• The Danish (c): Set up trading posts like Serampore, emphasizing commerce and missionary work.
• The British (d): Focused on consolidating their trade through the East India Company, later turning to colonial expansion.