1. Who was the first Portuguese to reach India by sea?
A) Vasco da Gama
B) Bartholomew Diaz
C) Alfonso de Albuquerque
D) Francisco de Almeida
Answer: A
Explanation: Vasco da Gama arrived at Calicut in 1498, establishing the sea route from Europe to India.
2. Vasco da Gama reached India during whose reign in Calicut?
A) Zamorin
B) Tipu Sultan
C) Hyder Ali
D) Krishnadevaraya
Answer: A
Explanation: The ruler of Calicut at the time was known as the Zamorin, who welcomed Vasco da Gama.
3. In which year did Vasco da Gama first arrive in India?
A) 1492
B) 1498
C) 1500
D) 1505
Answer: B
Explanation: He reached Calicut on May 20, 1498.
4. Which Portuguese explorer discovered the sea route to India?
A) Vasco da Gama
B) Bartholomew Diaz
C) Magellan
D) Cabral
Answer: A
Explanation: He sailed around the Cape of Good Hope to reach India.
5. Who discovered the Cape of Good Hope?
A) Vasco da Gama
B) Bartholomew Diaz
C) Albuquerque
D) Almeida
Answer: B
Explanation: Diaz discovered it in 1488, paving the way for sea voyages to India.
6. Which Portuguese explorer arrived in India in 1500 after Vasco da Gama?
A) Pedro Álvares Cabral
B) Almeida
C) Albuquerque
D) Magellan
Answer: A
Explanation: Cabral reached Calicut in 1500 with 13 ships.
7. The main purpose of Portuguese arrival in India was ___________.
A) Spread of religion
B) Exploration of geography
C) Trade and commerce
D) Colonization
Answer: C
Explanation: They aimed to control the spice trade.
8. Which place did Vasco da Gama land at in India?
A) Cochin
B) Calicut
C) Goa
D) Daman
Answer: B
Explanation: Calicut on the Malabar coast was his landing point.
9. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to ___________.
A) Reach the Americas
B) Reach India by sea
C) Discover Australia
D) Cross the Atlantic
Answer: B
Explanation: Vasco da Gama’s voyage achieved this in 1498.
10. Who welcomed Vasco da Gama in Calicut?
A) Raja of Cochin
B) Zamorin
C) King of Portugal
D) Tipu Sultan
Answer: B
Explanation: Zamorin was the hereditary ruler of Calicut.
11. Which king of Portugal sent Vasco da Gama to India?
A) King John II
B) King Manuel I
C) King Henry
D) King Philip
Answer: B
Explanation: He ordered Vasco da Gama’s expedition to India.
12. In which century did the Portuguese arrive in India?
A) 14th century
B) 15th century
C) 16th century
D) 17th century
Answer: B
Explanation: Vasco da Gama arrived in 1498, in the late 15th century.
13. The first Portuguese factory in India was established at ___________.
A) Calicut
B) Cochin
C) Goa
D) Daman
Answer: B
Explanation: In 1500, Cabral established the first Portuguese factory in Cochin.
14. Who was the first Portuguese Governor in India?
A) Vasco da Gama
B) Francisco de Almeida
C) Albuquerque
D) Cabral
Answer: B
Explanation: Almeida became the first Governor in 1505.
15. What was the main export the Portuguese wanted from India?
A) Cotton
B) Spices
C) Gold
D) Tea
Answer: B
Explanation: Especially pepper, cloves, and cinnamon.
16. Which event marked the arrival of the Portuguese in India?
A) Battle of Plassey
B) Arrival of Vasco da Gama
C) Treaty of Tordesillas
D) Battle of Talikota
Answer: B
Explanation: His arrival in 1498 began the Portuguese era in India.
17. Where was the first Portuguese fort in India built?
A) Calicut
B) Cochin
C) Goa
D) Diu
Answer: B
Explanation: Built to protect their factory and trade.
18. Which religion did Portuguese missionaries spread in India?
A) Islam
B) Hinduism
C) Christianity
D) Buddhism
Answer: C
Explanation: Jesuit missionaries were active during Portuguese rule.
19. Which Portuguese sailor accidentally discovered Brazil?
A) Vasco da Gama
B) Cabral
C) Albuquerque
D) Almeida
Answer: B
Explanation: On his way to India in 1500, he landed in Brazil.
20. The Treaty of Tordesillas divided the new lands between ___________.
A) Spain and Portugal
B) Portugal and France
C) England and Portugal
D) Spain and England
Answer: A
Explanation: Signed in 1494 under Papal mediation.
21. The Portuguese arrival marked the beginning of ___________.
A) Mughal Empire
B) European colonialism in India
C) Delhi Sultanate
D) Maratha Confederacy
Answer: B
Explanation: They were the first Europeans to colonize parts of India.
22. Who succeeded Vasco da Gama as leader of the Portuguese in India?
A) Cabral
B) Almeida
C) Albuquerque
D) Magellan
Answer: A
Explanation: He led the second Portuguese expedition to India.
23. What was the main port city of Portuguese trade in the early period?
A) Goa
B) Cochin
C) Daman
D) Diu
Answer: B
Explanation: Before Goa was captured, Cochin was their major base.
24. The Portuguese used which route to reach India?
A) Around Cape Horn
B) Across the Atlantic
C) Around the Cape of Good Hope
D) Through the Suez Canal
Answer: C
Explanation: This sea route avoided crossing Muslim-controlled lands.
25. Which factor mainly motivated Portuguese exploration to India?
A) Religious conversion
B) Scientific curiosity
C) Spice trade profits
D) Adventure
Answer: C
Explanation: Control of the spice trade was their prime goal.
26. Who was the second Portuguese Governor in India?
A) Cabral
B) Vasco da Gama
C) Alfonso de Albuquerque
D) Almeida
Answer: C
Explanation: Albuquerque succeeded Almeida in 1509 and expanded Portuguese control in India.
27. Which Portuguese Governor is known as the real founder of Portuguese power in India?
A) Almeida
B) Albuquerque
C) Cabral
D) Vasco da Gama
Answer: B
Explanation: His conquests of Goa, Malacca, and Hormuz established a strong Portuguese empire.
28. Who captured Goa from the Sultan of Bijapur in 1510?
A) Almeida
B) Albuquerque
C) Cabral
D) Vasco da Gama
Answer: B
Explanation: He seized Goa from Adil Shah in 1510, making it the Portuguese capital in India.
29. Who introduced the “Blue Water Policy”?
A) Albuquerque
B) Almeida
C) Cabral
D) Vasco da Gama
Answer: B
Explanation: Blue Water Policy aimed at Portuguese naval dominance in the Indian Ocean.
30. In which year did the Portuguese capture Goa?
A) 1509
B) 1510
C) 1511
D) 1515
Answer: B
Explanation: Goa was captured from the Sultan of Bijapur in 1510.
31. The Portuguese first came to India for ___________.
A) Establishing colonies
B) Spices and trade
C) Religious conversion only
D) Military alliances
Answer: B
Explanation: Control of the spice trade was their prime motivation.
32. Which Portuguese Governor built strategic alliances with Indian rulers?
A) Albuquerque
B) Almeida
C) Cabral
D) Magellan
Answer: A
Explanation: He married Portuguese soldiers to local women and allied with Indian rulers.
33. Albuquerque was known for encouraging ___________.
A) Slavery
B) Intermarriage between Portuguese and locals
C) Religious persecution
D) Tax farming
Answer: B
Explanation: This policy aimed to integrate Portuguese settlers with the local population.
34. Which important city did the Portuguese capture in 1511 after Goa?
A) Daman
B) Malacca
C) Diu
D) Cochin
Answer: B
Explanation: Malacca in Malaysia was captured to control the spice trade routes.
35. The Portuguese were defeated in 1526 by which ruler of Calicut?
A) Zamorin
B) Hyder Ali
C) Tipu Sultan
D) Adil Shah
Answer: A
Explanation: The Zamorin resisted Portuguese dominance in Malabar.
36. The Portuguese built their first fort in India at ___________.
A) Cochin
B) Goa
C) Calicut
D) Diu
Answer: A
Explanation: Built to protect their trading interests after establishing the factory.
37. Which island was taken by the Portuguese in 1521?
A) Maldives
B) Bombay
C) Sri Lanka
D) Diu
Answer: D
Explanation: Diu was a strategic location for controlling sea trade.
38. Who was the Portuguese Governor during the first siege of Diu in 1538?
A) Almeida
B) Nuno da Cunha
C) Albuquerque
D) Vasco da Gama
Answer: B
Explanation: He defended Diu against Ottoman and Gujarati forces.
39. Which city became the headquarters of Portuguese India?
A) Calicut
B) Cochin
C) Goa
D) Daman
Answer: C
Explanation: Goa was made the capital in 1530.
40. Who transferred the capital from Cochin to Goa?
A) Albuquerque
B) Almeida
C) Nuno da Cunha
D) Cabral
Answer: C
Explanation: This move strengthened administrative control.
41. The Portuguese introduced which new crop to India?
A) Wheat
B) Potato
C) Tobacco
D) Barley
Answer: C
Explanation: Tobacco was brought from the Americas to India by Portuguese traders.
42. The Portuguese were granted Bombay by ___________.
A) Marathas
B) Sultan of Gujarat
C) England
D) Marriage treaty between Portugal and England
Answer: D
Explanation: Bombay was gifted in 1661 as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza.
43. Who introduced the cartaz system (naval trade pass)?
A) Almeida
B) Albuquerque
C) Cabral
D) Vasco da Gama
Answer: A
Explanation: It required merchant ships to purchase a pass from the Portuguese to trade.
44. The Battle of Diu (1509) was fought between the Portuguese and ___________.
A) Egypt–Gujarat alliance
B) Marathas
C) Dutch
D) French
Answer: A
Explanation: Portuguese victory secured their dominance in the Indian Ocean.
45. Which Portuguese Governor built the famous fort of Diu?
A) Albuquerque
B) Almeida
C) Nuno da Cunha
D) Cabral
Answer: C
Explanation: Diu fort was completed in 1535.
46. Which year marked the death of Albuquerque?
A) 1515
B) 1510
C) 1509
D) 1521
Answer: A
Explanation: He died at Goa in 1515 after consolidating Portuguese power.
47. Portuguese introduced which fruit to India?
A) Mango
B) Pineapple
C) Orange
D) Banana
Answer: B
Explanation: Pineapple was brought from South America.
48. Who was the last Portuguese Governor of independent Portuguese India before British occupation of Bombay?
A) Nuno da Cunha
B) Albuquerque
C) Almeida
D) João Nunes Barreto
Answer: A
Explanation: He served until the mid-16th century.
49. The Portuguese encouraged which architectural style in Goa?
A) Indo-Islamic
B) Gothic and Manueline
C) Mughal
D) Rajput
Answer: B
Explanation: Churches and forts reflected European Gothic and Manueline styles.
50. The Portuguese maintained their power in India mainly through ___________.
A) Strong navy
B) Large armies
C) Alliances with Mughals
D) Religious conversion alone
Answer: A
Explanation: Their naval dominance ensured control over Indian Ocean trade.
51. The decline of Portuguese power in India began in which century?
A) 15th century
B) 16th century
C) 17th century
D) 18th century
Answer: C
Explanation: Their decline started in the early 17th century due to Dutch and English competition.
52. Which European power first challenged Portuguese dominance in India?
A) French
B) Dutch
C) Danes
D) British
Answer: B
Explanation: The Dutch East India Company attacked Portuguese possessions from 1605 onwards.
53. Which battle in 1612 marked the beginning of English naval challenge to Portuguese power?
A) Battle of Diu
B) Battle of Swally
C) Battle of Malacca
D) Battle of Cochin
Answer: B
Explanation: English East India Company defeated Portuguese at Swally near Surat.
54. The Portuguese lost Hormuz to the English in which year?
A) 1621
B) 1622
C) 1630
D) 1650
Answer: B
Explanation: English, with Persian help, captured Hormuz, cutting off Portuguese trade.
55. Which island was captured by the Dutch from the Portuguese in 1641?
A) Sri Lanka
B) Java
C) Sumatra
D) Andaman
Answer: A
Explanation: Dutch took Sri Lanka from Portuguese control in 1641.
56. The Portuguese were defeated in Hooghly by which Mughal ruler?
A) Humayun
B) Akbar
C) Shah Jahan
D) Aurangzeb
Answer: C
Explanation: In 1632, Shah Jahan attacked and expelled Portuguese from Hooghly.
57. Who helped the English capture Bombay from the Portuguese?
A) Shivaji
B) Dutch
C) King of Portugal’s marriage alliance
D) Mughal Emperor
Answer: C
Explanation: Bombay was given to England in 1661 as dowry to Charles II.
58. The Portuguese monopoly in the spice trade ended due to ___________.
A) Dutch competition
B) Mughal resistance
C) English rivalry
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: Combined pressure from Dutch, English, and Indian rulers weakened them.
59. The Portuguese lost their monopoly in the Persian Gulf after losing ___________.
A) Diu
B) Hormuz
C) Goa
D) Malacca
Answer: B
Explanation: Loss of Hormuz in 1622 ended their dominance in Persian Gulf trade.
60. Which was the last major Portuguese stronghold in India before 1961?
A) Goa
B) Diu
C) Daman
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: Goa, Daman, and Diu remained under Portuguese control till 1961.
61. The Portuguese attempted to monopolize trade in ___________.
A) Spices
B) Horses
C) Textiles
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: They controlled key trade commodities including spices, Arabian horses, and textiles.
62. The Cartaz system introduced by Portuguese was a ___________.
A) Tax collection method
B) Pass for merchant ships
C) Weapon manufacturing license
D) Land revenue system
Answer: B
Explanation: Ships without a Portuguese pass were considered illegal and could be seized.
63. Which sea power replaced the Portuguese as the main naval power in Indian waters?
A) Marathas
B) Dutch
C) English
D) French
Answer: C
Explanation: By the late 17th century, the English East India Company dominated the seas.
64. The Portuguese engaged in the slave trade mainly from ___________.
A) Africa to Brazil and India
B) Arabia to India
C) Europe to India
D) China to Goa
Answer: A
Explanation: They transported African slaves to colonies like Goa and Brazil.
65. Which Portuguese missionary worked extensively in India?
A) Francis Xavier
B) Vasco da Gama
C) Magellan
D) Albuquerque
Answer: A
Explanation: He spread Christianity in Goa and South India during the 16th century.
66. The Portuguese imposed a religious tax called ___________.
A) Jizya
B) Finta
C) Chauth
D) Sardeshmukhi
Answer: B
Explanation: Finta was imposed in Portuguese territories for Christian missionary work.
67. Who was the Viceroy of Portuguese India during the capture of Malacca?
A) Almeida
B) Albuquerque
C) Cabral
D) Nuno da Cunha
Answer: B
Explanation: He captured Malacca in 1511 to control the spice route.
68. Which city in India was known as the ‘Rome of the East’ under Portuguese rule?
A) Goa
B) Cochin
C) Diu
D) Calicut
Answer: A
Explanation: Due to its churches and Christian culture, Goa earned this title.
69. Portuguese missionaries introduced which printing press to India?
A) Metal type printing press
B) Wooden block press
C) Lithographic press
D) Rotary press
Answer: A
Explanation: The first printing press in India was set up in Goa in 1556.
70. Which Mughal emperor allowed Portuguese to establish Hooghly settlement?
A) Akbar
B) Jahangir
C) Aurangzeb
D) Babur
Answer: B
Explanation: He permitted Portuguese traders to settle in Hooghly in early 17th century.
71. The Portuguese encouraged which crop’s cultivation in Goa?
A) Sugarcane
B) Cashew
C) Pepper
D) Cotton
Answer: B
Explanation: Cashew was introduced from Brazil for making feni and as a commercial crop.
72. Which Portuguese settlement became notorious for piracy in the Bay of Bengal?
A) Goa
B) Diu
C) Hooghly
D) Bassein
Answer: C
Explanation: Portuguese traders in Hooghly were accused of piracy and slave trading.
73. The Portuguese made alliances with which Deccan Sultanate?
A) Bijapur
B) Ahmednagar
C) Golconda
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: They formed alliances for trade and military support.
74. The Portuguese introduced which South American food crop to India?
A) Wheat
B) Maize
C) Barley
D) Bajra
Answer: B
Explanation: Maize was introduced along with other New World crops.
75. Which year marked the official end of Portuguese colonial rule in India?
A) 1954
B) 1961
C) 1947
D) 1975
Answer: B
Explanation: India liberated Goa, Daman, and Diu from Portuguese control in December 1961.
76. Which title was given to the head of Portuguese administration in India?
A) Governor-General
B) Viceroy
C) Captain-Major
D) Chief Factor
Answer: B
Explanation: The Portuguese monarch appointed a Viceroy to govern Portuguese India from Goa.
77. The first Portuguese Viceroy in India was ___________.
A) Vasco da Gama
B) Francisco de Almeida
C) Albuquerque
D) Nuno da Cunha
Answer: B
Explanation: Appointed in 1505, Almeida was the first Viceroy and focused on naval supremacy.
78. The “Blue Water Policy” was introduced by ___________.
A) Almeida
B) Albuquerque
C) Cabral
D) Magellan
Answer: A
Explanation: It emphasized control of the sea rather than territorial conquest.
79. Who shifted the Portuguese capital from Cochin to Goa?
A) Almeida
B) Albuquerque
C) Cabral
D) Nuno da Cunha
Answer: B
Explanation: In 1510, Albuquerque made Goa the capital for better strategic control.
80. The Portuguese language was officially used in Goa until ___________.
A) 1947
B) 1961
C) 1970
D) 1987
Answer: B
Explanation: Portuguese remained the official language until Goa’s liberation.
81. Which architectural style did Portuguese introduce in Goa?
A) Indo-Islamic
B) Baroque
C) Dravidian
D) Gothic
Answer: B
Explanation: Baroque churches like Basilica of Bom Jesus reflect Portuguese influence.
82. The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa houses the relics of ___________.
A) Vasco da Gama
B) Francis Xavier
C) Albuquerque
D) Almeida
Answer: B
Explanation: His remains are enshrined in the Basilica, a UNESCO site.
83. Which art form flourished under Portuguese patronage in Goa?
A) Kathakali
B) Mando music
C) Yakshagana
D) Bharatanatyam
Answer: B
Explanation: Mando and Dulpod music styles developed blending Indian and Portuguese traditions.
84. Portuguese introduced which festival to Goa?
A) Ganesh Chaturthi
B) Carnival
C) Diwali
D) Pongal
Answer: B
Explanation: Carnival is a pre-Lenten festival celebrated with parades and music.
85. Which crop introduced by the Portuguese became important for feni production?
A) Maize
B) Cashew
C) Tobacco
D) Potato
Answer: B
Explanation: Cashew apples are used to make the local drink feni.
86. The first European printing press in India was established at ___________.
A) Cochin
B) Goa
C) Surat
D) Calicut
Answer: B
Explanation: Set up in 1556 for missionary work and printing religious texts.
87. Which local Goan dish shows strong Portuguese influence?
A) Biryani
B) Vindaloo
C) Idli
D) Dal Bati
Answer: B
Explanation: Adapted from Portuguese “vinha d’alhos” (wine and garlic) dish.
88. The Goa Inquisition was started in ___________.
A) 1546
B) 1560
C) 1572
D) 1600
Answer: B
Explanation: Established to enforce Catholic orthodoxy and suppress heresy.
89. Which Mughal emperor imprisoned Portuguese officials at Surat in 1613?
A) Akbar
B) Jahangir
C) Shah Jahan
D) Aurangzeb
Answer: B
Explanation: Jahangir acted against Portuguese after conflicts over trade and religion.
90. The Portuguese introduced which sweet to Indian cuisine?
A) Gulab Jamun
B) Bebinca
C) Jalebi
D) Rasgulla
Answer: B
Explanation: A layered Goan dessert of Portuguese origin.
91. Portuguese India was administratively divided into ___________.
A) Provinces
B) Captaincies
C) Presidencies
D) Cantons
Answer: B
Explanation: Territories were managed under Captain-Majors reporting to the Viceroy.
92. Which law code applied in Goa even after its liberation?
A) Indian Penal Code
B) Goa Civil Code
C) Portuguese Maritime Law
D) Goa Municipal Act
Answer: B
Explanation: The Portuguese-era uniform civil code is still in force in Goa.
93. The Portuguese introduced which vegetable to India?
A) Tomato
B) Cabbage
C) Radish
D) Pumpkin
Answer: A
Explanation: Tomato came from the Americas through Portuguese traders.
94. Which famous fort in Goa was built by the Portuguese in 1612?
A) Aguada Fort
B) Chapora Fort
C) Reis Magos Fort
D) Corjuem Fort
Answer: A
Explanation: Built to guard against Dutch attacks and as a water storage facility.
95. Portuguese India was officially called ___________.
A) Estado da Índia
B) Nova Goa
C) Provincia Portuguesa
D) Imperio Asiático
Answer: A
Explanation: “State of India” referred to their Asian colonial possessions.
96. The last Portuguese governor of Goa was ___________.
A) Francisco da Gama
B) Manuel António Vassalo e Silva
C) Luis de Menezes Bragança
D) Nuno da Cunha
Answer: B
Explanation: He surrendered to Indian forces in 1961.
97. Portuguese encouraged conversion to Christianity mainly through ___________.
A) Tax exemptions
B) Land grants
C) Educational opportunities
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: Economic and social incentives encouraged conversions.
98. The main currency of Portuguese India was called ___________.
A) Rupia
B) Escudo
C) Xerafim
D) Tanka
Answer: C
Explanation: Xerafim was the silver coin used in Goa and other territories.
99. The Portuguese legacy in Indian education includes ___________.
A) Introduction of modern schools
B) Printing of textbooks
C) Teaching of Western music
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: They promoted literacy and Western-style education in their territories.
100. Which date is observed in Goa as Liberation Day from Portuguese rule?
A) 15 August
B) 1 May
C) 19 December
D) 26 January
Answer: C
Explanation: Goa was liberated on 19 December 1961 by Indian armed forces.