Q. What was the occasion for the Portuguese to hand over Bombay to the British?
(a) Growth of peaceful relations between the English and the Portuguese as a result of Portugal’s independence from the control of Spain.
(b) The marriage of Charles II with the Portuguese princes Catherine of Braganza.
(c) The defeat of Spanish Armada by the British in 1588.
(d) The Treaty of Madrid concluded in 1630.
Ans: (b) The marriage of Charles II with the Portuguese princes Catherine of Braganza.
Explanation: The occasion for the Portuguese to hand over Bombay (now Mumbai) to the British was (b) The marriage of Charles II with the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza.
As part of the dowry for the marriage between Charles II of England and Catherine of Braganza in 1661, the Portuguese agreed to transfer several territories, including Bombay, to the British. This was a strategic move by Portugal to strengthen their ties with England and secure British naval support against their rival, the Dutch. The transfer of Bombay to the British took place as a result of this marriage alliance.
