Consider the following fruits:
I. Papaya
II. Pineapple
III. Guava
How many of the above were introduced in India by the Portuguese in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries?
Consider the following fruits:
I. Papaya
II. Pineapple
III. Guava
How many of the above were introduced in India by the Portuguese in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries?
Answer:
(c)
Moderate
Core Books
Non-traditional
The correct answer is: (c) All the three All three fruits—papaya, pineapple, and guava—were introduced to India by the Portuguese during the 16th and 17th centuries. 1. Papaya Native to tropical America, particularly southern Mexico and Central America, papaya was introduced to India by the Portuguese in the early 17th century. Historical records indicate that Dutch traveler Jan Huyghen van Linschoten observed papaya in Malacca in 1576, suggesting its spread to the region during that period. 2. Pineapple Originating from South America, specifically the Paraná–Paraguay River drainages between southern Brazil and Paraguay, pineapple was introduced to India by the Portuguese around 1548 AD. The fruit adapted well to India’s tropical climate and became widely cultivated. 3. Guava Guava, native to Central and South America, was introduced to India by the Portuguese in the early 17th century. It quickly gained popularity and became an integral part of Indian horticulture. Therefore, all three fruits were introduced to India by the Portuguese during the 16th and 17th centuries.