What attracted European trading companies to India?

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Cheaper rates of goods

Fine qualities of cotton and silk

Indian spices

All of the above

answer is D.

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Detailed Solution

Why European Trading Companies Came to India

European trading companies were drawn to India in the 16th and 17th centuries because of its affordable goods, fine textiles, and high-demand spices. Queen Elizabeth I of England issued a charter in 1600 granting the East India Company exclusive rights to trade in the East, laying the foundation for European expansion in India.

Main Reasons for European Interest in India

Profitable trade: India offered goods at lower prices, enabling companies to earn high margins in Europe.
Textile excellence: Indian cotton and silk were prized across Europe for their quality and durability.
Spice demand: Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and pepper were essential in European markets for cooking and preservation.
Strategic opportunity: India’s markets provided a gateway for European merchants to expand influence in Asia.

Historical Context

These trading interests eventually gave the East India Company significant political and economic influence in India. Historians note that the Company’s charter was a pivotal step in the transformation of trade into colonization.

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