Question
The staple commodities of export by the English East India Company from Bengal in the middle of the 18th century were
(a) Raw cotton, oil-seeds and opium
(b) Sugar, salt, zinc and lead
(c) Copper, silver, gold, spices and tea
(d) Cotton, silk, saltpetre and opium
Answer:
D
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Explanation:
During the middle of the 18th century, the English East India Company primarily exported these staple commodities from Bengal:
1. Cotton: Bengal was known for its high-quality cotton production, and it was a major export commodity for the English East India Company. The company played a significant role in promoting the export of Indian cotton to meet the growing demand in Europe.
2. Silk: Bengal was renowned for its silk production, particularly the famous Murshidabad silk. The English East India Company exported silk from Bengal, which was highly valued in international markets.
3. Saltpetre: Bengal was a major producer of saltpetre, an essential ingredient for making gunpowder. The English East India Company exported saltpetre from Bengal to supply its military and meet the demands of the European market.
4. Opium: Opium cultivation and trade were also significant during that time. The English East India Company was involved in the opium trade, particularly in the Bengal region, where opium production was substantial.