Where did the Dutch establish their first factory in 1605 AD?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Masulipatnam

The Dutch East India Company established its first factory in India in 1605 at Masulipatnam, located in present-day Andhra Pradesh. Masulipatnam was a significant port town and a hub for textile trade, attracting European traders. The Dutch expanded their presence in India by setting up trading posts in Pulicat, Surat, Chinsurah, and Cochin over time.

• The Dutch East India Company (VOC) was founded in 1602 for trade with the East.
• Masulipatnam was a key spice and textile trading center on the Coromandel Coast.
• The Dutch later made Pulicat their headquarters in India.
• They competed with Portuguese, British, and French for dominance in Indian trade.
• The Dutch influence declined after their defeat by the British in 1759 at the Battle of Chinsurah.
• Dutch traders focused on spices, indigo, and textiles in their Indian trade.

• Pulicat – Became the Dutch headquarters in 1610, after Masulipatnam.
• Surat – A major trading center, but the Dutch established their factory here later.
• Calicut – Known for spice trade, the Portuguese were more active here before the Dutch.