Q. Due to commercial rivalry the Dutch indulged in the massacre of Englishmen at
(a) Malacca
(b) Amboyna
(c) Surat
(d) Cassimbazar
Ans: (b) Amboyna
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) Amboyna. The Dutch were involved in the infamous “Massacre at Amboyna.” It occurred in 1623 on the island of Amboyna (now part of Indonesia) during the period of intense commercial rivalry between the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and the English East India Company. The Dutch accused a group of Englishmen of planning a conspiracy against them and subsequently arrested and tortured them. Eventually, twenty Englishmen were executed, including their leader, Gabriel Towerson. This event further escalated the animosity between the Dutch and the English in the region and contributed to the ongoing commercial rivalry between the two powers.
