Which of the following companies built Fort St George in Chennai in the 1640s and later established the Madras Presidency in 1684?​

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (A) British East India Company

Explanation:

• Fort St. George was built by the British East India Company in Chennai (then known as Madras) in the 1640s.
• This fort marked the establishment of a significant British presence in India. The British East India Company used it as a military and administrative base.
• Later, in 1684, the British East India Company established the Madras Presidency, which became one of the major administrative divisions under British rule in India.

Information Booster:

• Fort St. George is also the site of the oldest Anglican church in India, the St. Mary's Church, and now houses the Fort Museum.
• The establishment of Madras Presidency allowed the British East India Company to expand its political and economic influence over the region, which later became a major part of the British Raj.

Additional Knowledge:

• Option B: Portuguese East India Company
• Incorrect. The Portuguese had a presence in India earlier, but they did not build Fort St. George. Their influence was mainly along the western coast (Goa, Daman, and Diu).
• Option C: Spanish East India Company
• Incorrect. The Spanish did not have a significant presence in India, and they were not involved in the construction of Fort St. George.
• Option D: Genoese East India Company
• Incorrect. The Genoese were involved in trade, but they did not have a major role in the establishment of Fort St. George.