The French East India Company played a significant role in the colonial history of India, competing with other European powers for dominance in trade and territory. This set of “French East India Company GK MCQs With Answer & Explanation” is designed to help learners deepen their understanding of this historical entity and its impact on India. Covering essential facts, events, and figures related to the French East India Company’s activities in India, these MCQs provide an engaging way to test and enhance your knowledge. With detailed explanations provided for each question, this resource is ideal for students preparing for competitive exams and history enthusiasts alike.
1. Among the individuals listed below, which French explorer visited the court of Emperor Shah Jahan and left a detailed account of the Takht-i-Taus (Peacock Throne)?
- Jean-Baptiste
- Tavernier Geronimo
- Verroneo Pierre-Jean
- Grosley Jean-Paul Dubois
Show Answer
Answer: Jean-Baptiste
Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a notable French jeweler and traveler, documented the magnificent Takht-i-Taus or Peacock Throne during the Mughal period. This extraordinary piece of Mughal architecture was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan, reflecting his dedication and involvement in its creation. The Peacock Throne is renowned for its opulence and artistic grandeur.
2.
Which among the following is/are correct statements with respect to the French East India Company?
1. It was a private concern.
2. It was chartered by King Louis XIV.
3. It was abolished immediately after the French Revolution.
Choose the correct code
- Only 1 & 2
- Only 2 & 3
- Only 1 & 3
- Only 2
Show Answer
Answer: Only 2
It was a private concern – Incorrect. The French East India Company was a government-backed concern, not a private one. It was chartered by King Louis XIV – Correct. The French East India Company was chartered by King Louis XIV to engage in trading in the Eastern Hemisphere. It was abolished immediately after the French Revolution – Incorrect. The French East India Company was abolished in 1769, which was two decades earlier than the French Revolution.
3. Which incident established the supremacy of the British over the French in India?
- Battle of Buxar
- Battle of Wandiwash
- Carnatic Wars
- Battle of Chingleput
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Answer: Battle of Wandiwash
The Battle of Wandiwash in 1760 saw British forces, under the leadership of Sir Eyre Coote, secure a decisive victory over the French. Subsequently, Pondicherry, a French settlement, was besieged and fell to the British in 1761. This event marked a significant turning point, establishing British supremacy over the French in India.
4. Which was the first French enclave of Pondicherry to merge with the Dominion of India?
- Mahe
- Karaikal
- Chandranagore
- Pondicherry
Show Answer
Answer: Chandranagore
Pondicherry, a former French enclave, was one of the first French territories to merge with the Dominion of India following India’s independence from British colonial rule in 1947. The transfer of these territories back to India marked a significant historical transition.
5. Who were the last Europeans to come to India for trading?
- English
- Danes
- French
- Dutch
Show Answer
Answer: French
Among the major European colonial powers, the French were one of the last to establish their presence in India for trading. The French East India Company was established in 1664 during the reign of King Louis XIV, marking their entry into India’s trading landscape.
6. In which year was the French East India Company established?
- 1600
- 1650
- 1664
- 1674
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Answer: 1664
The French East India Company was founded in 1664 under the leadership of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, who served as the minister of King Louis XIV. Colbert played a crucial role in the establishment of the company, promoting French trading interests in India.
7. The first factory of the French East India Company in India was set up at which place?
- Surat
- Masulipatnam
- Broach
- Madras
Show Answer
Answer: Surat
In December 1667, the French East India Company established its initial trading factory in India, specifically in the city of Surat. This endeavor was carried out under the supervision of Francis Caron, who held the position of Director-General at the time.
8. In which year was the French factory at Masulipatnam established?
- 1664
- 1666
- 1669
- 1675
Show Answer
Answer: 1669
The French East India Company obtained official permission from the Sultan of Golconda in 1669 to establish a trading factory in Masulipatnam, which was a significant milestone in their presence in India.
9. Which of the following places were French settlements in India?
- 1.Chandarnagore
- 2. Balasore
- 3. Qasim Bazar
- 1 only
- 1 & 2
- 1 & 3 1,
- 2 & 3
Show Answer
Answer: 1, 2 & 3
The French established several settlements in India, including Balasore, Qasim Bazar, Chandarnagore, Mahe, and Karaikal. These regions represented French colonial outposts and trading centers in the Indian subcontinent.
10. In the year 1673, which French director was approved a place for French settlement by Sher Khan Lodi?
- Dupleix
- Francois Baron
- Francois Martin
- Francois Caron
Show Answer
Answer: Brij Bhasha
Prithviraj Raso, written by Chand Bardai, the court poet of Prithviraj Chauhan, is originally written in Brij Bhasha.
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