UPSC CSE Prelims 2003
The Dutch East India Company (VOC) established its first factory in India at Masulipatnam in 1605. Pulicat was established in 1610, subsequently becoming a significant early trading post and later the Dutch headquarters on the Coromandel Coast. Among the locations provided in the options, Pulicat represents the earliest Dutch establishment.
Surat: The Dutch established their factory at Surat in 1616, which was later than their establishment at Pulicat. Surat was also a prominent trading center for other European powers, including the English.
Cochin: The Dutch gained control of Cochin from the Portuguese in 1663. This acquisition and subsequent establishment occurred much later than their early factories like Pulicat.
Cassimbazar: Dutch factories were established at Cassimbazar later in the 17th century, making it a subsequent establishment compared to Pulicat.