Which power suffered a decisive defeat in the Malabar region during the Battle of Colachel in 1741?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (D) Dutch East India Company.

​Explanation :​

• The Battle of Colachel was fought on 10th August 1741 between the Dutch East India Company and Travancore forces.
• The Dutch East India Company suffered a decisive defeat at the hands of Travancore forces, led by Rajah Marthanda Varma and Maruthu Pandiyar.
• The battle is considered a significant turning point as it ended Dutch influence in the region and weakened their naval power in India.
• The defeat at Colachel marked the decline of the Dutch East India Company's dominance in the Malabar region and contributed to the rise of Travancore as a powerful kingdom.

Information Booster:

• The Dutch East India Company (VOC) arrived in India in the early 17th century, primarily aiming to control the spice trade and challenge Portuguese dominance in the region. They established their first factory in Masulipatnam (1616), followed by a stronghold on the Malabar Coast and other regions like Chinsura in Bengal.
• Key battles involving the Dutch:
• Battle of Colachel (1741) – Dutch East India Company vs. Travancore forces.
• Battle of Swally (1612) – Dutch East India Company vs. Portuguese East India Company.

Additional Information:

• The advent of Europeans in India began with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1498, led by Vasco da Gama who reached Calicut on the Malabar Coast.
• Portuguese East India Company (Estado da India) was the first European company to establish trading posts in India, focusing on spices and Christian missionary activities.