Question

Which of the following are the factors that had a hand, in the decline of Masulipatnam as a trading hub?

• A. Conflict between the Mughals and the British.
• B. Competition between the British and the Dutch traders.
• C. The British traders chose to sell their wares in other port towns like Calcutta.
• D. The revolt of the sepoys in 1857.

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

The correct options are
B Competition between the British and the Dutch traders.
C The British traders chose to sell their wares in other port towns like Calcutta.

In the second half of the 17th century, the Mughals attacked the Golconda empire. This was the beginning of Masulipatnam’s troubles. The Mughal governor played off the conflict between the Dutch and British. Finally, by 1687 the Mughals conquered Golconda. This forced the European trading companies to look for alternate options. As the company traders moved their trade to Calcutta and Madras on the east coast, Masulipatnam lost its importance. Its merchants moved out and its prosperity declined. Today, it’s just a little dilapidated town. Calcutta and Madras became large metropolises at the expense of Masulipatnam.