Q1. What was the significance of the lease of Madras in 1639?
- It gave the English rights to fortify and govern the area
- It ended Mughal control in South India
- It allowed English rule over Delhi
- It was the first time the British entered Bengal
Correct Option: 1. It gave the English rights to fortify and govern the area.
Explanation: In 1639, the English obtained a lease for Madras from a local Raja. They were allowed to fortify the settlement, govern it, and even mint coins, marking a major step toward territorial control.
Q2. Which of the following cities replaced Surat as the East India Company’s western headquarters?
- Calcutta
- Bombay
- Ahmedabad
- Goa
Correct Option: 2. Bombay.
Explanation: The island of Bombay, given by the Portuguese in 1668, became the new headquarters of East India Company on the western coast. It had a large, defensible port and became strategically important due to threats from the Marathas.
Q3. What led the Company to become humble petitioners again after 1686–89?
- Support from the French
- Military defeat by the Mughal Empire
- Aurangzeb’s alliance with the Dutch
- Lack of funding from England
Correct Option: 2. Military defeat by the Mughal Empire .
Explanation: The Company attacked Hugli and declared war on the Mughals, but Aurangzeb’s forces defeated them, forcing the English to retreat and beg forgiveness, showing they had overestimated their strength.
Q4. What role did Fort William play in the development of Calcutta?
- It was built around English factories and helped form the city
- It was a prison for Mughal officials
- It attracted Dutch settlers
- It became the seat of Mughal governance
Correct Option: 1. It was built around English factories and helped form the city .
Explanation: The Company built Fort William around its trading base in the villages of Sutanati, Kalikata, and Govindpur, which grew into the city of Calcutta — one of the major British strongholds in India.
Q5. Why did English trade flourish despite political setbacks?
- The Company focused only on local trade
- Indian rulers offered free ports
- Strong forts and naval supremacy provided protection
- British kings directly ruled the factories
Correct Option: 3. Strong forts and naval supremacy provided protection .
Explanation: The English East India Company’s trade thrived even when its political ambitions were restrained. This was due to naval supremacy, secure fortified settlements, and increasing urban populations, which turned cities like Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta into commercial hubs.