Timeline of Europeans in India
This timeline highlights the arrival and expansion of European powers in India for competitive examinations.
15th Century: The Age of Exploration
✔ 1498 – Vasco da Gama (Portuguese) arrives at Calicut, India, marking the beginning of European trade.
16th Century: Portuguese Dominance
✔ 1505 – Francisco de Almeida becomes the first Portuguese viceroy in India.
✔ 1510 – Portuguese capture Goa from the Bijapur Sultanate, making it their headquarters.
✔ 1515 – Portuguese establish a trade post in Pulicat (Tamil Nadu).
✔ 1530 – Goa declared the capital of Portuguese India.
✔ 1534 – Portuguese acquire Bassein (Vasai) near Mumbai from the Sultan of Gujarat.
✔ 1542 – St. Francis Xavier arrives in India for Christian missionary work.
✔ 1579 – Portuguese missionary Father Thomas Stephens reaches India, the first Englishman in India.
17th Century: Entry of Other European Powers
✔ 1602 – Dutch East India Company (VOC) formed.
✔ 1605 – Dutch establish a factory at Masulipatnam (Andhra Pradesh).
✔ 1608 – British East India Company sets up a trading post at Surat.
✔ 1611 – British establish a factory at Masulipatnam.
✔ 1612 – British defeat the Portuguese in the Battle of Swally.
✔ 1615 – Mughal Emperor Jahangir grants trading rights to the British.
✔ 1619 – British set up a factory in Surat.
✔ 1620 – Danish East India Company establishes a settlement at Tranquebar (Tamil Nadu).
✔ 1639 – British acquire Madras (Chennai) from the local ruler, later build Fort St. George.
✔ 1661 – Portuguese give Bombay to the British as part of a royal marriage treaty.
✔ 1664 – French East India Company is formed.
✔ 1668 – British acquire Bombay from the Portuguese and make it a trading hub.
✔ 1674 – French establish Pondicherry as their headquarters in India.
18th Century: British and French Rivalry
✔ 1717 – Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar grants trade concessions to the British (Farman).
✔ 1746 – French capture Madras from the British but return it later.
✔ 1757 – Battle of Plassey – British defeat Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah, gaining control over Bengal.
✔ 1761 – British defeat the French in Battle of Wandiwash, ending French ambitions in India.
✔ 1765 – Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II grants Diwani rights. The British receive revenue collection of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
19th Century: British Supremacy
✔ 1818 – British defeat the Marathas in the Third Anglo-Maratha War, consolidating power.
✔ 1825 – British take Pulicat from the Dutch, ending Dutch rule in India.
✔ 1858 – British Crown takes direct control over India after the Revolt of 1857.
Summary of European Powers in India
| Power | Year of Arrival | Major Settlements | End of Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portuguese | 1498 | Goa, Diu, Daman, Bassein | 1961 (Goa annexed by India) |
| Dutch | 1605 | Pulicat, Nagapattinam, Cochin | 1825 (British took over) |
| British | 1608 | Surat, Madras, Bombay, Calcutta | 1947 (Indian Independence) |
| Danish | 1620 | Tranquebar, Serampore | 1845 (Sold to British) |
| French | 1664 | Pondicherry, Mahe, Chandannagar, Karaikal | 1954 (Merged with India) |
This timeline is essential for exams as it covers key dates, battles, and treaties. Would you like a mind map for quick revision? 🚀