Question

Imagine yourself as a part of the English East India Company when they first set foot in India. Which of the following scenarios best represents the immediate reaction of the native rulers?

• A. The Company is immediately perceived as a threat by native rulers, and they rebel against it.
• B. The Company is accepted with open arms wherever it goes, and receives a lot of attention.
• C. Native rulers offer the Company their kingdoms in exchange for money.
• D. The Company is initally not even a subject of intrigue amongst the natives, but it soon grows into a formidable force.

Answer 1

The correct option is D The Company is initally not even a subject of intrigue amongst the natives, but it soon grows into a formidable force.

The English East India Company set their foot in the Indian subcontinent when the Mughals were in power. Initially, they were simply seen as traders, and native rulers did not perceive them as a threat. However, through a long chain of events, the Company gained control of vast amounts of territory and displaced many rulers.