The English established their first factory in India at

Correct option is B

The correct answer is: (b) Surat

Explanation:

• TheEnglish East India Companyestablished itsfirst factory in India at Suratin the year1613.

• This was made possible after they receivedpermission from Mughal Emperor Jahangir.

• Surat, located inmodern-day Gujarat, was then aprominent port cityand an important center foroverseas trade.

• CaptainThomas Bestplayed a key role in securing trade rights after defeating the Portuguese in the naval Battle of Swally near Surat in 1612.

Information Booster:

• TheSurat factorymarked thebeginning of British commercial presencein India.

• The English established further factories atMadras (1639), Bombay (1668), and Calcutta (1690).

• Surat was also used by theDutch and the Portuguesefor trade.

• The success at Surat laid the foundation forBritish colonial expansion.

• Factories weretrading posts, not manufacturing units.