TIMELINE HISTORY

Advent of Europeans: Colonial Influence in India

1498

Portugal: Arrival of Vasco da Gama

Vasco da Gama reached Calicut, establishing the first direct sea route between Europe and India, initiating European colonialism and the spice trade monopoly.

1505

Portugal: First Viceroy

Francisco de Almeida became the first Portuguese Viceroy of India, implementing the "Blue Water Policy" to control maritime trade and establish naval supremacy in the Indian Ocean.

1510

Portugal: Territorial control of Goa

Alfonso de Albuquerque captured Goa from the Bijapur Sultanate, making it the capital of Portuguese India.

1602

Dutch: Dutch East India Company formed

The Dutch East India Company was established, marking the beginning of Dutch commercial activities in India.

1608

England: First ships arrive

Captain William Hawkins arrived at Surat but failed to establish a factory due to Portuguese opposition.

1611

England: First factory

The English established their first factory in Masulipatnam, marking the beginning of sustained British commercial presence in India.

1615

England: First Ambassador

Sir Thomas Roe secured trading privileges from Mughal Emperor Jahangir, boosting the East India Company's position.

1664

France: French East India Company formed

Jean-Baptiste Colbert established the French East India Company, marking France's entry into Indian trade and colonization efforts.

1757

England: Battle of Plassey

Robert Clive's victory at the Battle of Plassey marked the start of British political control in India.

1947

Britain: Independence

The Indian Independence Act partitioned British India into two independent nations: India and Pakistan, ending British colonial rule.

1961

Portugal: Departure

Indian forces annexed Goa, Daman, and Diu, ending 450 years of Portuguese presence in India.