UPSC Prelims 2007 · General Studies

Question 62: History and Culture

Which one of the following was the first fort constructed by the British in India?

aFort William

bFort St. George

cFort St. David

dFort St. Angelo

AnswerThe answer is (b).

Fort St. George at Madras, begun in 1639-40, was the first fort the British built in India; it became the seat of their power in the south. Fort William at Calcutta came later, from the 1690s, and Fort St. David at Cuddalore was acquired in 1690. Fort St. Angelo, at Cannanore (Kannur), is a Portuguese fort.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Fort William, Calcutta, was built later.
(b) Correct: Fort St. George, Madras, was the first.
(c) Fort St. David was acquired in 1690.
(d) Fort St. Angelo was built by the Portuguese.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious question Next question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2007, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.