Question : Comprehension:
India is a diverse nation with many different cultures. Although some eating habits are considered staples of Indian cuisine, these habits may not be practiced by all the cultures of India. Cuisine differs across India's diverse regions as a result of variations in local culture, geographical location (proximity to the sea, desert, or mountains), and economics. It also varies seasonally, depending on which fruits and vegetables are ripe. Also, Middle Eastern and Central Asian influences have occurred in North Indian cuisine since the years of Mughal rule. Indian cuisine is still evolving as a result of the nation's cultural interactions with other societies.
Historical incidents such as foreign invasions, trade relations, and colonialism have played a role in introducing certain foods to the country. For instance, potato, a staple of the diet in some regions of India, was brought to India by the Portuguese, who also introduced chilies and breadfruit. Indian cuisine has shaped the history of international relations; the spice trade between India and Europe was the primary catalyst for Europe's Age of Discovery. Spices were bought from India and traded around Europe and Asia. Indian cuisine has influenced other cuisines across the world, especially those from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, the British Isles, Fiji, and the Caribbean.
Indian food is rich in flavor. However, spices do more than flavor a dish; they are also used to cool and warm the body during hot or cold weather. Yogurt is commonly used to flavor dishes or as a sauce to chill spicy dishes. Many Indian dishes are cooked in vegetable oil, but peanut oil is popular in northern and western India, mustard oil in eastern India, and coconut oil along the western coast, especially in Kerala. Gingelly (sesame) oil is common in the south since it imparts a fragrant, nutty aroma. In recent decades, sunflower, safflower, cottonseed, and soybean oils have become popular across India. Butter-based ghee, or deshi ghee, is used frequently, though less than in the past.
Based on the passage above, choose the correct option for the following question.
Question
According to the passage, choose the correct synonym of the word 'catalyst'.
Option 1: Micro
Option 2: Disregard
Option 3: Activator
Option 4: Animosity
Correct Answer: Activator
Solution : The correct option is the third option.
In the context of the passage, the term 'catalyst' is used to describe the spice trade between India and Europe as the primary factor or force that accelerated Europe's Age of Discovery. Similarly, an 'activator' serves as a synonym in this context, emphasising the idea of initiating or setting into motion a significant historical event.
Therefore, the meanings of the other words are:
- Micro: That depicts something extremely small, about things on a very small scale.
- Disregard: This means to pay no attention; to ignore or neglect.
- Animosity: This means to have strong hostility or antagonism; intense dislike or hatred.
Therefore, the most appropriate synonym for catalyst is activator.
Question : Name the Indian king who warmly received the Portuguese traveller Vasco da Gama when he landed at Calicut.
Option 1: Asaf Jah Ismail Mulk
Option 2: Deva Raya II
Option 3: Zamorin
Option 4: Krishnadevaraya
Correct Answer: Zamorin
Solution : The correct answer is Zamorin.
On May 27, 1498, Portuguese Sailor Vasco de Gama crossed the cape of Good Hope and arrived in the Indian city of Calicut. He was greeted by King Zamorin of Calicut. Vasco de Gama left Calicut in 1498 due to a conflict with Zamorin and other traders.
Question : Which place among the following was the headquarters of the Portuguese in India?
Option 1: Cochin
Option 2: Goa
Option 3: Calicut
Option 4: Cannanore
Correct Answer: Goa
Solution : The correct answer is Goa.
The headquarters of the Portuguese in India was Goa. Goa served as the central administrative and political hub for the Portuguese colonial presence in India from the early 16th century until 1961, when India annexed Goa, Daman, and Diu, ending over four centuries of Portuguese rule in the region.
Question : Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer came to India in ___.
Option 1: 1496
Option 2: 1498
Option 3: 1495
Option 4: 1497
Correct Answer: 1498
Solution : The correct answer is 1498.
Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer, arrived in India on May 20, 1498. Upon his arrival in Calicut, Vasco da Gama established trade relations with the local rulers and secured valuable spices, such as pepper and cinnamon. His successful journey opened the sea route from Europe to Asia, marking the beginning of direct maritime trade between Europe and Asia.
Question : Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, discovered the sea route to India in_______________.
Option 1: 1488
Option 2: 1498
Option 3: 1508
Option 4: 1518
Correct Answer: 1498
Solution : The correct option is 1498.
Portuguese adventurer Vasco da Gama touched down in Calicut, now Kozhikode, India, on May 20, 1498. The first European to arrive by sea at India's profitable trading hubs was Vasco da Gama.
Question : The 'Blue Water Policy' was introduced by the Portuguese leader
Option 1: Francisco de Almeida
Option 2: Afonso de Albuquerque
Option 3: Francis Caron
Option 4: Francis Martin
Correct Answer: Francisco de Almeida
Solution : The correct answer is Francisco de Almeida.
Francisco de Almeida was the first governor of Portuguese possessions in India, appointed in 1505 CE. He put into practice the "Blue Water Policy". He wanted the navy to be strong. According to him, handling India is only feasible if they are powerful at sea; otherwise, building a fortress on land will be useless. The Blue Water Policy was the driving force behind this approach.
Question : Who among the following was the first Portuguese viceroy of India?
Option 1: Francisco de Almeida
Option 2: Duarte de Menezes
Option 3: Lopo Soares de Albergaria
Option 4: Alfonso de Albuquerque
Correct Answer: Francisco de Almeida
Solution : The correct option is Francisco de Almeida
Francisco de Almeida was India's first Portuguese viceroy. From 1505 to 1509, he was Portuguese India's Viceroy. Portuguese interests in the Indian Ocean were secured and Portuguese control was established owing large part to Francisco de Almeida.
Question : The initial archaeological surveys of Hampi were conducted by:
Option 1: The British East India Company
Option 2: The Archaeological Survey of India
Option 3: The Portuguese explorers
Option 4: The French archaeological mission
Correct Answer: The Archaeological Survey of India
Solution : Correct Option: 2
Explanation: The initial archaeological surveys of Hampi were conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India, which played a crucial role in documenting and preserving the site.
Please suggest some sources to learn Portuguese for 12th std if any!...
There are multiple sources available over the Internet to learn Potugese and related Historial Perspectives from Colonialism. You may even refer to Wikipedia, which is an excellent source as well as Youtube for in depth study. Apart from this you may refer NCERT Textbooks for Trade, Territory, Advent of Europeans and learn more about Portugese Colonialism in India.
For more information about Portugese do follow the link below