1. The French East India Company was established in:
a) 1600
b) 1602
c) 1664
d) 1670
Answer: c) 1664
Explanation: Founded by Colbert under King Louis XIV in 1664.
2. The first French factory in India was established at:
a) Surat
b) Pondicherry
c) Chandernagore
d) Masulipatnam
Answer: d) Masulipatnam
Explanation: The French opened their first factory at Masulipatnam in 1666.
3. The headquarters of French settlements in India was:
a) Pondicherry
b) Chandernagore
c) Surat
d) Karaikal
Answer: a) Pondicherry
Explanation: Pondicherry became their capital in 1674.
4. Who founded Pondicherry as the French settlement in India?
a) Dupleix
b) Colbert
c) Francois Martin
d) Bussy
Answer: c) Francois Martin
Explanation: He was the first Governor of French India.
5. Pondicherry was captured by the Dutch in 1693 and returned to the French in:
a) 1697
b) 1700
c) 1710
d) 1720
Answer: a) 1697
Explanation: Returned by the Treaty of Ryswick (1697).
6. Which French settlement was in Bengal?
a) Pondicherry
b) Chandernagore
c) Karikal
d) Mahe
Answer: b) Chandernagore
Explanation: Established in 1690, became French base in Bengal.
7. The French obtained Chandernagore in Bengal from the:
a) Portuguese
b) Dutch
c) Mughals
d) Nawabs of Bengal
Answer: c) Mughals
Explanation: They got Mughal permission to trade in Bengal.
8. The French settlement on the Malabar Coast was:
a) Calicut
b) Cochin
c) Mahe
d) Tellicherry
Answer: c) Mahe
Explanation: French established Mahe in Kerala (1725).
9. Which French settlement was in Tamil Nadu other than Pondicherry?
a) Karikal
b) Tranquebar
c) Pulicat
d) Madras
Answer: a) Karikal
Explanation: Acquired by French in 1739.
10. Which of the following was NOT a French settlement in India?
a) Pondicherry
b) Chandernagore
c) Karikal
d) Serampore
Answer: d) Serampore
Explanation: Serampore belonged to the Danes, not the French.
11. The French Governor-General who strengthened Pondicherry was:
a) Dupleix
b) Francois Martin
c) Lally
d) Bussy
Answer: a) Dupleix
Explanation: He expanded French influence in South India.
12. Who was the French governor when Pondicherry became capital?
a) Francois Martin
b) Dupleix
c) Lally
d) Colbert
Answer: a) Francois Martin
Explanation: He made Pondicherry capital of French India.
13. The French tried to establish political supremacy in India mainly under:
a) Bussy and Dupleix
b) Colbert
c) Lally
d) Francois Martin
Answer: a) Bussy and Dupleix
Explanation: They intervened in Carnatic and Deccan politics.
14. French ambitions in India clashed mainly with:
a) Portuguese
b) Dutch
c) British
d) Danes
Answer: c) British
Explanation: Anglo-French rivalry shaped Carnatic Wars.
15. Which Mughal emperor gave trading rights to the French in Bengal?
a) Aurangzeb
b) Farrukhsiyar
c) Shah Alam II
d) Jahangir
Answer: b) Farrukhsiyar
Explanation: He issued farmans to French (1717) like English.
16. The French officer Bussy established influence in:
a) Carnatic
b) Hyderabad
c) Bengal
d) Malabar
Answer: b) Hyderabad
Explanation: Bussy supported the Nizam and gained power in Deccan.
17. Who was the French governor recalled to Europe in 1754, weakening French power in India?
a) Dupleix
b) Bussy
c) Lally
d) Francois Martin
Answer: a) Dupleix
Explanation: His recall ended French ambitions in South India.
18. The French East India Company was reorganized by:
a) Napoleon
b) Colbert
c) Louis XV
d) Dupleix
Answer: b) Colbert
Explanation: He reorganized the company in 1664.
19. The French and British fought mainly for control of:
a) Bengal
b) Deccan and Carnatic
c) Punjab
d) Gujarat
Answer: b) Deccan and Carnatic
Explanation: Their rivalry was focused in South India.
20. The French settlement at Mahe was named after:
a) A French king
b) A French governor
c) A nearby ruler
d) A Dutch trader
Answer: b) A French governor
Explanation: Named after French governor Mahe de La Bourdonnais.
21. The French maintained naval superiority over British until:
a) 1739
b) 1746
c) 1757
d) 1760
Answer: d) 1760
Explanation: British victory at Wandiwash (1760) ended French naval/political power.
22. Who led the French forces in the Battle of Wandiwash (1760)?
a) Dupleix
b) Lally
c) Bussy
d) Suffren
Answer: b) Lally
Explanation: Count de Lally was defeated by Eyre Coote.
23. Which treaty ended French political ambitions in India?
a) Treaty of Paris (1763)
b) Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748)
c) Treaty of Pondicherry (1754)
d) Treaty of Bassein (1802)
Answer: a) Treaty of Paris (1763)
Explanation: It ended Seven Years’ War, French lost dominance in India.
24. The French retained which settlements after 1763?
a) Pondicherry, Karikal, Chandernagore, Mahe, Yanam
b) Bombay and Calcutta
c) Surat and Madras
d) Goa and Diu
Answer: a) Pondicherry, Karikal, Chandernagore, Mahe, Yanam
Explanation: They could keep small enclaves without fortifications.
25. French power in India declined mainly because:
a) Strong British navy & finance
b) Recall of Dupleix
c) Poor coordination with native rulers
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Multiple factors led to British supremacy over French.
26. The French established their first factory at Masulipatnam in which year?
a) 1608
b) 1611
c) 1666
d) 1674
Answer: c) 1666
Explanation: The French East India Company set up its first Indian factory at Masulipatnam.
27. The French East India Company’s headquarters in India was finally settled at:
a) Surat
b) Pondicherry
c) Chandernagore
d) Karaikal
Answer: b) Pondicherry
Explanation: Pondicherry became the French capital in India in 1674.
28. The French obtained Karaikal from:
a) Dutch
b) British
c) Portuguese
d) Nayak of Tanjore
Answer: d) Nayak of Tanjore
Explanation: Nayak of Tanjore gave Karaikal to the French in 1739.
29. The French settlement of Yanam was located in:
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Andhra Pradesh
c) Kerala
d) Bengal
Answer: b) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Yanam near Kakinada was a French colony.
30. The French trade in Bengal was centered at:
a) Calcutta
b) Chinsurah
c) Chandernagore
d) Serampore
Answer: c) Chandernagore
Explanation: Chandernagore was the French base in Bengal from 1690.
31. The French trade in South India focused mainly on:
a) Cotton textiles
b) Indigo
c) Pepper and spices
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: French exported textiles, spices, and indigo.
32. The First Carnatic War (1746–1748) was part of which European conflict?
a) Seven Years’ War
b) Austrian War of Succession
c) Napoleonic Wars
d) Anglo-Spanish War
Answer: b) Austrian War of Succession
Explanation: It spread to India, triggering the First Carnatic War.
33. The immediate cause of the First Carnatic War was:
a) British attack on French Pondicherry
b) French capture of Madras
c) Anglo-Dutch rivalry
d) Mughal succession crisis
Answer: b) French capture of Madras
Explanation: La Bourdonnais captured Madras (1746), provoking war.
34. The naval commander La Bourdonnais was associated with which European power?
a) Dutch
b) French
c) Portuguese
d) Danish
Answer: b) French
Explanation: He captured Madras in 1746.
35. The Battle of St. Thomé (1746) was fought between:
a) French and British
b) French and Dutch
c) British and Portuguese
d) French and Danes
Answer: a) French and British
Explanation: French defeated British near Madras.
36. The First Carnatic War ended with:
a) Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748)
b) Treaty of Paris (1763)
c) Treaty of Pondicherry (1754)
d) Treaty of Alinagar (1757)
Answer: a) Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748)
Explanation: It restored Madras to the British.
37. The Second Carnatic War (1749–1754) was fought over:
a) French-British rivalry in Bengal
b) Succession disputes in Hyderabad & Carnatic
c) Trade monopoly in Gujarat
d) Control of Surat
Answer: b) Succession disputes in Hyderabad & Carnatic
Explanation: French supported one claimant, British another.
38. In the Second Carnatic War, French supported:
a) Chanda Sahib & Muzaffar Jang
b) Muhammad Ali & Nasir Jang
c) Tipu Sultan & Hyder Ali
d) Zamorin of Calicut
Answer: a) Chanda Sahib & Muzaffar Jang
Explanation: French supported them against British allies.
39. In the Second Carnatic War, British supported:
a) Chanda Sahib & Muzaffar Jang
b) Muhammad Ali & Nasir Jang
c) Mir Jafar & Siraj-ud-Daulah
d) Bussy & Lally
Answer: b) Muhammad Ali & Nasir Jang
Explanation: British backed these rulers.
40. The Second Carnatic War ended with:
a) Treaty of Pondicherry (1754)
b) Treaty of Paris (1763)
c) Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748)
d) Treaty of Alinagar (1757)
Answer: a) Treaty of Pondicherry (1754)
Explanation: Both sides restored captured territories.
41. The French governor Dupleix was recalled in:
a) 1748
b) 1754
c) 1760
d) 1763
Answer: b) 1754
Explanation: His recall ended French political ambitions in India.
42. The Third Carnatic War (1757–1763) coincided with:
a) Austrian War of Succession
b) Napoleonic Wars
c) Seven Years’ War
d) Anglo-Burmese Wars
Answer: c) Seven Years’ War
Explanation: It extended Anglo-French rivalry to India.
43. The decisive battle of the Third Carnatic War was:
a) Plassey (1757)
b) Buxar (1764)
c) Wandiwash (1760)
d) Negapatam (1781)
Answer: c) Wandiwash (1760)
Explanation: Eyre Coote defeated Count Lally, ending French ambitions.
44. The French commander defeated at Wandiwash was:
a) Dupleix
b) Bussy
c) Lally
d) Suffren
Answer: c) Lally
Explanation: Count de Lally was defeated by the British.
45. The French general Bussy was active in:
a) Bengal
b) Carnatic
c) Deccan (Hyderabad)
d) Gujarat
Answer: c) Deccan (Hyderabad)
Explanation: He maintained French influence in Hyderabad.
46. The Treaty of Paris (1763) allowed the French to retain:
a) Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe, Yanam, Chandernagore
b) Only Pondicherry
c) Pondicherry and Chandernagore
d) No settlements
Answer: a) Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe, Yanam, Chandernagore
Explanation: But without fortifications or political power.
47. The French decline in India was mainly due to:
a) Strong British navy
b) Better British finance
c) French government neglect & Dupleix’s recall
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: These combined factors led to British supremacy.
48. The French settlement of Mahe was important because:
a) Naval base on Malabar Coast
b) Center of cotton textile trade
c) Spice trade
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Mahe was strategically located for Arabian Sea trade.
49. Which European power was the last serious rival of the British in India?
a) Portuguese
b) Dutch
c) French
d) Danes
Answer: c) French
Explanation: The French were the last European challengers to British supremacy.
50. The French power in India finally ended with:
a) Treaty of Paris (1763)
b) Defeat at Wandiwash (1760)
c) Recall of Dupleix (1754)
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: French were reduced to small trading settlements only.
51. The Danish East India Company was founded in:
a) 1600
b) 1602
c) 1616
d) 1624
Answer: c) 1616
Explanation: Established under King Christian IV of Denmark in 1616.
52. The first Danish factory in India was established at:
a) Tranquebar
b) Serampore
c) Masulipatnam
d) Surat
Answer: a) Tranquebar
Explanation: Danes founded Tranquebar (Tamil Nadu) in 1620.
53. The Danish settlement at Tranquebar was obtained from:
a) Nayak of Tanjore
b) Portuguese
c) Dutch
d) Mughals
Answer: a) Nayak of Tanjore
Explanation: Raghunatha Nayak of Tanjore granted Tranquebar to Danes.
54. The Danish settlement of Serampore was located in:
a) Bengal
b) Orissa
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Kerala
Answer: a) Bengal
Explanation: Danes established Serampore (1698) near Calcutta.
55. Which Danish settlement became famous for missionary activities?
a) Pondicherry
b) Serampore
c) Tranquebar
d) Karikal
Answer: c) Tranquebar
Explanation: The first Protestant mission in India was started here (1706).
56. The famous Protestant missionary who worked at Tranquebar was:
a) William Carey
b) Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg
c) Robert de Nobili
d) Alexander Duff
Answer: b) Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg
Explanation: He translated the Bible into Tamil.
57. The Danish Asiatic Company was founded in:
a) 1616
b) 1664
c) 1732
d) 1757
Answer: c) 1732
Explanation: To revive Danish trade in Asia.
58. The Danes established Serampore (Bengal) in which year?
a) 1620
b) 1676
c) 1698
d) 1706
Answer: c) 1698
Explanation: Serampore became their Bengal base.
59. Which Danish settlement was known for its printing press and education?
a) Tranquebar
b) Serampore
c) Karikal
d) Mahe
Answer: b) Serampore
Explanation: Famous for Serampore Mission and College (William Carey).
60. The Danes mainly traded in:
a) Cotton and silk textiles
b) Saltpetre
c) Pepper and spices
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Danes traded in textiles, saltpetre, and spices but at a smaller scale.
61. The Danish East India Company’s Indian headquarters was at:
a) Pondicherry
b) Serampore
c) Tranquebar
d) Surat
Answer: c) Tranquebar
Explanation: It remained their main base till 1845.
62. The Danish trade never became powerful in India because:
a) Limited resources
b) Stronger British and Dutch competitors
c) Weak navy
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Danes were too weak to compete with other Europeans.
63. Serampore College, a famous institution, was founded in:
a) 1800
b) 1818
c) 1824
d) 1830
Answer: b) 1818
Explanation: Founded by William Carey and missionaries.
64. Which Danish possession was purchased by the British in 1845?
a) Tranquebar and Serampore
b) Pondicherry
c) Chandernagore
d) Goa
Answer: a) Tranquebar and Serampore
Explanation: Danes sold their Indian settlements to the British in 1845.
65. The Danish flag was finally lowered in India in:
a) 1799
b) 1824
c) 1845
d) 1858
Answer: c) 1845
Explanation: British bought their colonies, ending Danish presence.
66. Which Danish settlement was also called “Frederiksnagore”?
a) Serampore
b) Tranquebar
c) Pondicherry
d) Yanam
Answer: a) Serampore
Explanation: Named after King Frederick V of Denmark.
67. The Danes established a Lutheran Mission in India at:
a) Serampore
b) Tranquebar
c) Goa
d) Calicut
Answer: b) Tranquebar
Explanation: Ziegenbalg and Plütschau (1706) started India’s first Protestant mission.
68. The Danish settlement of Serampore was famous for:
a) Indigo trade
b) Printing press
c) Missionary activities
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Serampore became a hub of trade, printing, and education.
69. The decline of Danish power in India was mainly due to:
a) Limited finance and military
b) British competition
c) Weak political backing from Denmark
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Danes couldn’t match British, Dutch, or French power.
70. The Danes lost their remaining colonial possession of Nicobar Islands to:
a) British
b) Dutch
c) French
d) Portuguese
Answer: b) Dutch
Explanation: Danes abandoned Nicobar Islands in 1869, Dutch took over briefly.
71. The Serampore Mission was led by which three missionaries?
a) Ziegenbalg, Carey, Duff
b) William Carey, Joshua Marshman, William Ward
c) Robert de Nobili, Francis Xavier, Caldwell
d) Carey, Bussy, Dupleix
Answer: b) William Carey, Joshua Marshman, William Ward
Explanation: Known as the Serampore Trio, they pioneered education.
72. The Danish presence in India lasted from:
a) 1600–1700
b) 1616–1799
c) 1620–1845
d) 1700–1857
Answer: c) 1620–1845
Explanation: From Tranquebar (1620) to British takeover (1845).
73. The Danes were the only Europeans in India mainly remembered for:
a) Military power
b) Naval conquests
c) Missionary and educational work
d) Cotton trade dominance
Answer: c) Missionary and educational work
Explanation: They were minor traders, but major pioneers in missionary work.
74. The Tranquebar Mission press published books in:
a) English only
b) Tamil and other Indian languages
c) Portuguese
d) Persian
Answer: b) Tamil and other Indian languages
Explanation: It was the first printing press for Indian languages.
75. The Danes finally withdrew from India by selling their possessions to:
a) French
b) Dutch
c) British
d) Portuguese
Answer: c) British
Explanation: In 1845, Danes sold their Indian colonies to the British.
76. The main reason for French failure against the British in India was:
a) Weak navy
b) Lack of support from home government
c) British financial superiority
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: French defeat was due to naval weakness, poor funds, and Dupleix’s recall.
77. The French governor who dreamed of a French empire in India was:
a) Francois Martin
b) Dupleix
c) Lally
d) Bussy
Answer: b) Dupleix
Explanation: Dupleix tried to establish French political supremacy in South India.
78. The Carnatic Wars were fought mainly between:
a) French and Dutch
b) British and French
c) British and Portuguese
d) French and Danes
Answer: b) British and French
Explanation: They were the Anglo-French wars for supremacy in South India.
79. The decisive battle that sealed British supremacy over French in India was:
a) Plassey (1757)
b) Wandiwash (1760)
c) Buxar (1764)
d) Pondicherry (1778)
Answer: b) Wandiwash (1760)
Explanation: Eyre Coote defeated Count de Lally.
80. The French support to which Indian rulers prolonged their influence in the Deccan?
a) Nizams of Hyderabad
b) Nawabs of Arcot
c) Tipu Sultan
d) Marathas
Answer: a) Nizams of Hyderabad
Explanation: Bussy maintained French influence in Hyderabad.
81. The French officer Bussy made himself powerful in:
a) Bengal
b) Carnatic
c) Deccan (Hyderabad)
d) Malabar
Answer: c) Deccan (Hyderabad)
Explanation: He was a key figure in Deccan politics.
82. The French settlements in India that remained even after their defeat were:
a) Pondicherry, Karaikal, Chandernagore, Mahe, Yanam
b) Bombay, Calcutta, Madras
c) Goa, Daman, Diu
d) Surat, Hooghly, Balasore
Answer: a) Pondicherry, Karaikal, Chandernagore, Mahe, Yanam
Explanation: They were kept for trade but without fortifications.
83. The French were finally confined to their Indian enclaves by which treaty?
a) Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748)
b) Treaty of Paris (1763)
c) Treaty of Pondicherry (1754)
d) Treaty of Bassein (1802)
Answer: b) Treaty of Paris (1763)
Explanation: It ended French political ambitions.
84. The French East India Company was revived in 1785 but failed again because:
a) Lack of funds
b) British dominance
c) French Revolution & Napoleonic Wars
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Political upheavals in Europe weakened French efforts.
85. The Danes were different from other Europeans because they:
a) Focused on trade and missions, not conquest
b) Were militarily strong
c) Defeated the Portuguese
d) Allied with Mughals
Answer: a) Focused on trade and missions, not conquest
Explanation: Danes remained minor traders and missionaries.
86. The Danes first came to India in:
a) 1600
b) 1616
c) 1620
d) 1624
Answer: c) 1620
Explanation: They established Tranquebar in 1620.
87. The Danes’ biggest contribution in India was:
a) Cotton trade
b) Saltpetre export
c) Missionary and printing work
d) Indigo trade
Answer: c) Missionary and printing work
Explanation: They introduced Protestant missions and Indian language printing presses.
88. The Danish missionary Ziegenbalg is remembered for:
a) Printing the first Indian newspaper
b) Translating Bible into Tamil
c) Supporting Indian freedom movement
d) Training Indian soldiers
Answer: b) Translating Bible into Tamil
Explanation: He was the first Protestant missionary in India.
89. The Danish colony of Serampore was famous for:
a) Serampore Mission & College
b) Shipbuilding
c) Cotton textiles
d) Naval base
Answer: a) Serampore Mission & College
Explanation: Founded in 1818 by Carey, Marshman, and Ward.
90. The Danes sold their Indian possessions to the British in:
a) 1795
b) 1824
c) 1845
d) 1858
Answer: c) 1845
Explanation: Tranquebar and Serampore were sold to the British in 1845.
91. The Danes remained in the Nicobar Islands until:
a) 1700
b) 1800
c) 1848
d) 1869
Answer: d) 1869
Explanation: Danes abandoned Nicobar in 1869.
92. Which Danish settlement was also called “Frederiksnagore”?
a) Serampore
b) Tranquebar
c) Pondicherry
d) Karikal
Answer: a) Serampore
Explanation: Named after King Frederick V of Denmark.
93. The Danish Asiatic Company was founded to:
a) Trade with East Indies
b) Control Bengal
c) Conquer Pondicherry
d) Compete with Portuguese in Goa
Answer: a) Trade with East Indies
Explanation: It was established in 1732 to revive Danish trade.
94. Which European power is remembered more for education than political rule in India?
a) Portuguese
b) Dutch
c) French
d) Danes
Answer: d) Danes
Explanation: Danes are remembered for Serampore Mission & College.
95. The French officer who defended Hyderabad against Marathas was:
a) Dupleix
b) Bussy
c) Lally
d) Suffren
Answer: b) Bussy
Explanation: Bussy strengthened French influence in Deccan.
96. French decline in India was sealed because:
a) They focused more on Europe than India
b) British naval superiority
c) Dupleix was recalled
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: These combined factors led to French downfall.
97. Which was the last European power to leave India?
a) French
b) Portuguese
c) Danes
d) Dutch
Answer: b) Portuguese
Explanation: Portuguese stayed in Goa, Daman, Diu till 1961.
98. The French settlements in India today are preserved as:
a) Tourist and heritage sites
b) Naval bases
c) Military cantonments
d) Abandoned ruins
Answer: a) Tourist and heritage sites
Explanation: Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe, Yanam, Chandernagore still exist.
99. The Danes are mainly remembered in Indian history for:
a) Battles with British
b) Helping Tipu Sultan
c) Education, printing, and missions
d) Cotton textile exports
Answer: c) Education, printing, and missions
Explanation: Their spiritual & educational legacy is their true contribution.
100. The overall role of French and Danes in India can be summed up as:
a) French – political challengers, Danes – minor traders/missionaries
b) Both had large empires
c) Both defeated the British
d) Both ruled India together
Answer: a) French – political challengers, Danes – minor traders/missionaries
Explanation: French seriously rivalled the British; Danes only had small settlements & missionary legacy.