UPSC Prelims 2001 · General Studies

Question 92: History and Culture

Which among the following ports was called Babul Makka (Gate of Makka) during the Mughal Period?

aCalicut

bBroach

cCambay

dSurat

AnswerThe answer is (d).

Surat, the chief Mughal port on the west coast, was called Babul Makka (the Gate of Mecca) because most pilgrims bound for Mecca sailed from there. It was also the leading centre of trade with West Asia and Europe, and the English set up their first factory in India there in 1613. Calicut, Broach and Cambay were important ports but not known by this name.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Calicut was the Malabar spice port, not the Gate of Mecca.
(b) Broach was an older port that declined.
(c) Cambay was a Gujarat port that silted up.
(d) Right: Surat.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2001, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.