At which one among the following places did the British East India Company found its factory in the year 1611 ?

The correct answer is Masulipatam.

Key Points

• The British East India Company established its first factory in southern India at Masulipatam in the year 1611.
• Masulipatam, also known as Machilipatnam, was a prominent port town located on the eastern coast of India in Andhra Pradesh.
• The factory at Masulipatam was primarily used for trading textiles, spices, and other goods, marking the early expansion of British trade in India.
• Masulipatam was strategically chosen due to its proximity to the Coromandel Coast and its role as a significant trading hub in the Indian Ocean.
• The establishment of the factory laid the groundwork for the British East India Company's further expansion in the subcontinent.

Additional Information

• British East India Company:
  • Founded in 1600, the British East India Company was established to trade in the East Indies but focused on India due to its rich resources.
  • It operated as a joint-stock company and played a significant role in colonial expansion in India.
• Masulipatam's Historical Importance:
  • Masulipatam was an ancient port city known for its textile production, especially hand-woven fabrics.
  • The city was a vital trading center for the Dutch, French, and British during the colonial period.
• Coromandel Coast:
  • The Coromandel Coast stretches along the southeastern coast of India and was historically significant for maritime trade.
  • It housed several important trading ports, including Masulipatam, Nagapattinam, and Pondicherry.
• Early British Expansion in India:
  • The British East India Company gradually expanded its influence by establishing factories in other regions, such as Surat (1612), Bombay (1668), and Calcutta (1690).
  • This trade expansion eventually led to the company's involvement in Indian politics and the establishment of British colonial rule.