Match List I with List II and select the correct answer from the codesgiven below :
  List I
(Colonial Fort)
(i) Dansborg
(ii) Geldria
(iii) St. David
(iv) San Thome
  List II
(Colonial Power)
(a) English
(b) Portuguese
(c) Danish
(d) Dutch
Codes :(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

The correct answer is - (i) (c); (ii) (d); (iii) (a); (iv) (b)

Key Points

• Dansborg
  • Dansborg was a prominent colonial fort established by the Danish.
  • It is located in Tranquebar (present-day Tharangambadi, Tamil Nadu) and served as a base for Danish trade and administration.
• Geldria
  • Geldria was a fort built by the Dutch colonial power.
  • It was situated in Pulicat, Tamil Nadu, a significant Dutch trading hub during the colonial era.
• St. David
  • St. David's Fort was established by the English.
  • Located in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, it was initially built by the Dutch but later captured and expanded by the English East India Company.
• San Thome
  • San Thome was a fortification built by the Portuguese.
  • It was established in present-day Chennai (formerly Madras) and served as an important Portuguese settlement.

Additional Information

• Colonial Forts and Powers
  • Colonial powers like the Portuguese, Dutch, Danish, and English established forts in India to protect their trade interests and exert control over regions.
  • These forts often became the nuclei of colonial settlements and administrative centers.
• Portuguese Colonization
  • The Portuguese were the first European colonial power to arrive in India, establishing their presence in Goa, Diu, and Daman.
  • San Thome was one of their significant settlements in southern India.
• Dutch Colonization
  • The Dutch primarily focused on trade and established settlements like Pulicat and Cochin.
  • They were later overshadowed by the English and French in terms of influence in India.
• Danish Colonization
  • The Danish East India Company established their primary settlement in Tranquebar (Tharangambadi), Tamil Nadu.
  • Although their influence was limited, they left a lasting cultural impact in the region.
• English Colonization
  • The English East India Company gradually expanded its influence, overtaking other European powers in India.
  • Fort St. David in Cuddalore served as a critical military and administrative center during the early years of English colonization.