Q. The first country to establish trade relations with India was
(a) Portugal
(b) Holland
(c) France
(d) England
Ans: (a) Portugal
Explanation: The correct answer is (a) Portugal.
Portugal was the first country to establish trade relations with India. In the late 15th century, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama successfully sailed around the Cape of Good Hope and reached the port of Calicut (present-day Kozhikode) in Kerala, India, in 1498. This marked the beginning of direct trade between Europe and India.
The Portuguese established several trading posts and forts along the Indian coastline, including in places like Goa, Diu, and Daman. They dominated the spice trade and had a significant presence in India for several decades.
While other European powers like the Dutch (Holland), French, and English (England) later entered into trade relations with India and established their own trading posts, it was Portugal that paved the way and was the first country to establish direct trade links with India.
Therefore, the correct answer is (a) Portugal.
