Where was the first British Presidency established in India?

Correct option is A

Correct Answer Option (a): Surat
The first British Presidency in India was established in Surat in 1612.

This marked the beginning of formal British trade in India under the East India Company (EIC). Surat was a key port city and an important hub for trade with the Mughal Empire.

Information Booster:

Important Facts About First Factories of Other Europeans in India

• Portuguese:
  First Factory: Cochin (Kerala), established in 1500.
  Key Fact: The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in India under Vasco da Gama in 1498, and they later expanded to Goa and Diu.
  
• Dutch:
  First Factory: Masulipatnam (Andhra Pradesh), established in 1605.
  Key Fact: The Dutch East India Company primarily focused on the spice trade and had a significant presence in the Coromandel Coast.
  
• French:
  First Factory: Surat (Gujarat), established in 1668.
  Key Fact: The French later established their main trading center in Pondicherry (1674), which became their stronghold.
  
• Danish:
  First Factory: Tranquebar (Tamil Nadu), established in 1620.
  Key Fact: The Danes primarily traded in spices and textiles but had a limited influence compared to other Europeans.
  

Important Facts About the East India Company (EIC)

• Establishment: Founded in 1600 by a royal charter from Queen Elizabeth I.
• Official name: Governor and Company of Merchants of London trading into the East Indies.
  
• Presidencies:
  The Company later established three major presidencies:
  Bombay Presidency (1687).
  Madras Presidency (1640).
  Bengal Presidency (1690).
  
• Major Battles:
  Battle of Plassey (1757): Marked the beginning of British political dominance in India after defeating Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah.
  Battle of Buxar (1764): Secured the Diwani rights (revenue collection) for Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha.
  
• Trade Monopoly:
  Initially focused on trading spices, silk, cotton, and tea.
  Monopoly ended in 1813 due to the Charter Act of 1813.
  
• Transition to British Crown:
  Following the Revolt of 1857, the British Crown took direct control of India in 1858, ending the EIC’s administrative role.