Q. Consider the following statements regarding Shuja-ud-Din Muhammad Khan and the European trading companies in Bengal: - The Dutch East India Company was the first European trading company to establish a permanent settlement in Bengal.
- Shuja-ud-Din Muhammad Khan maintained effective control over multiple European trading companies, including the English, Dutch, French, Portuguese, and Danish merchants during his tenure as Nawab of Bengal.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer:
Both 1 and 2
Notes: The Dutch East India Company (VOC) was indeed the first European trading company to secure a permanent settlement in Bengal, specifically at Chinsurah in the early 17th century. Shuja-ud-Din Muhammad Khan, as Nawab (1727–1739), exercised considerable authority and regulated the activities of various European traders, including the English, Dutch, French, Portuguese, and Danish, thereby consolidating local power.