Masulipatnam – Competitive Examination Notes
1. Introduction
✔ Masulipatnam (Machilipatnam) is a coastal town in Andhra Pradesh.
✔ It was an important port city and trade center in medieval India.
✔ The first Dutch and British factories in India were established here.
2. Historical Significance
✔ Kakatiya Dynasty (12th–14th Century)
- Masulipatnam was an important seaport for the Kakatiya rulers.
- It was part of the Golconda Kingdom after the Kakatiyas.
✔ Golconda Sultanate (16th–17th Century)
- The Golconda rulers controlled Masulipatnam and made it a major trade hub.
- It became famous for textiles, pearls, and spices.
✔ European Colonization (17th–18th Century)
- Dutch East India Company (VOC) established the first factory in 1605.
- The British East India Company set up a factory in 1611.
- French and Portuguese traders also had settlements.
- In 1686, Aurangzeb took control of Masulipatnam, ending Golconda’s rule.
✔ Decline
- The British shifted their main base to Madras (Chennai) in 1639, reducing Masulipatnam’s importance.
- The city declined after the Anglo-French rivalry and British dominance.
3. Masulipatnam and European Powers
| European Power | Year of Arrival | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch | 1605 | First factory in India |
| British | 1611 | First British factory in India |
| French | Late 17th Century | Trading post established |
| Portuguese | Early 17th Century | Involved in trade but not dominant |
4. Trade and Economy
✔ Masulipatnam was famous for:
- Kalamkari textiles (hand-painted cotton fabrics).
- Spices and pearls.
- Shipbuilding and maritime trade.
✔ It was a key link in Indian Ocean trade with Persia, Arabia, and Southeast Asia.
5. Decline of Masulipatnam
✔ Aurangzeb’s conquest (1686) led to Mughal control.
✔ The British shifted trade to Madras (Chennai), reducing its importance.
✔ Natural disasters like cyclones affected its trade.
✔ Anglo-French wars weakened its commercial position.
6. MCQs on Masulipatnam
- Which European power established the first factory in Masulipatnam?
- (a) British
- (b) Portuguese
- (c) Dutch
- (d) French
- Answer: (c) Dutch
- Masulipatnam was famous for which textile product?
- (a) Muslin
- (b) Kalamkari
- (c) Silk
- (d) Brocade
- Answer: (b) Kalamkari
- Which Indian ruler controlled Masulipatnam before the Mughals?
- (a) Vijayanagara rulers
- (b) Kakatiya rulers
- (c) Golconda Sultanate
- (d) Bahmani Sultanate
- Answer: (c) Golconda Sultanate
- Which Mughal emperor annexed Masulipatnam in 1686?
- (a) Akbar
- (b) Jahangir
- (c) Shah Jahan
- (d) Aurangzeb
- Answer: (d) Aurangzeb
- Which city replaced Masulipatnam as the main British trading center?
- (a) Pondicherry
- (b) Bombay
- (c) Madras
- (d) Surat
- Answer: (c) Madras
7. Subjective Questions on Masulipatnam
- Explain the importance of Masulipatnam as a trade center.
- Describe the role of the Dutch and British in Masulipatnam.
- What were the reasons for the decline of Masulipatnam?
- How did the Kalamkari textile industry develop in Masulipatnam?
- Discuss the impact of Aurangzeb’s conquest on Masulipatnam.
Summary:
- Masulipatnam was a major port in medieval India, controlled by Golconda, European traders, and the Mughals.
- It was the first trading base of the Dutch (1605) and British (1611) in India.
- The city was famous for Kalamkari textiles and maritime trade.
- The decline began when the British moved their trade center to Madras.
Would you like a timeline or a mind map for better understanding? 🚀