Which of the following crops were introduced into India from the "New World" during the 17th century? 1. Tomatoes 2. Potatoes 3. Chillies 4. Pineapple Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct option is 1, 2, 3 and 4 . Explanation The "New World" refers to the Americas (North and South America). Following the discovery of sea routes in the late 15th century, the Columbian Exchange facilitated the transfer of plants, animals, and culture between the Americas and the Old World (Europe, Africa, and Asia). In India, Portuguese traders were primarily responsible for introducing these crops during the 16th and 17th centuries. Statement-wise Analysis The introduction of New World crops significantly altered Indian agriculture and cuisine during the Mughal era. - 1. Tomatoes: Native to South America (Andes). They were introduced to India by the Portuguese. While some sources suggest a later widespread adoption, they entered the Indian subcontinent during the colonial exchange period (16th-17th centuries). - 2. Potatoes: Native to Peru and Bolivia. They were introduced to India by the Portuguese in the early 17th century. Historical records indicate their cultivation in the Surat region during this period. - 3. Chillies: Native to Mexico. Introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century, they rapidly replaced long pepper (pippali) and black pepper as the primary source of pungency in Indian cuisine. - 4. Pineapple: Native to South America (Brazil/Paraguay). It was introduced by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century. By the time of Emperor Jahangir (early 17th century), pineapples were being cultivated in Agra and were praised in Mughal records. Since all four crops are of New World origin and were introduced during the 16th-17th century phase of European interaction, all statements are correct in the context of the question. Key Takeaway: Major crops introduced to India from the New World (Americas) by the Portuguese include Potato, Tomato, Chilli, Tobacco, Maize, Pineapple, Cashew, and Papaya. These introductions largely occurred during the 16th and 17th centuries.

NCERT Class 12 History — Chapter 4: Peasants, Zamindars and the State - Agrarian Society and the Mughal Empire (c. 16th - 17th centuries)

mcqeasy

Which of the following crops were introduced into India from the "New World" during the 17th century?

Tomatoes
Potatoes
Chillies
Pineapple

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3 only
B2, 3 and 4 only
C1 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is
1, 2, 3 and 4
.

Explanation

The "New World" refers to the Americas (North and South America). Following the discovery of sea routes in the late 15th century, the Columbian Exchange facilitated the transfer of plants, animals, and culture between the Americas and the Old World (Europe, Africa, and Asia). In India, Portuguese traders were primarily responsible for introducing these crops during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Statement-wise Analysis

The introduction of New World crops significantly altered Indian agriculture and cuisine during the Mughal era.

1. Tomatoes: Native to South America (Andes). They were introduced to India by the Portuguese. While some sources suggest a later widespread adoption, they entered the Indian subcontinent during the colonial exchange period (16th-17th centuries).
2. Potatoes: Native to Peru and Bolivia. They were introduced to India by the Portuguese in the early 17th century. Historical records indicate their cultivation in the Surat region during this period.
3. Chillies: Native to Mexico. Introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century, they rapidly replaced long pepper (pippali) and black pepper as the primary source of pungency in Indian cuisine.
4. Pineapple: Native to South America (Brazil/Paraguay). It was introduced by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century. By the time of Emperor Jahangir (early 17th century), pineapples were being cultivated in Agra and were praised in Mughal records.

Since all four crops are of New World origin and were introduced during the 16th-17th century phase of European interaction, all statements are correct in the context of the question. Key Takeaway: Major crops introduced to India from the New World (Americas) by the Portuguese include Potato, Tomato, Chilli, Tobacco, Maize, Pineapple, Cashew, and Papaya. These introductions largely occurred during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Your note

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Solution

The correct option is
1, 2, 3 and 4
.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

The introduction of New World crops significantly altered Indian agriculture and cuisine during the Mughal era.

1. Tomatoes: Native to South America (Andes). They were introduced to India by the Portuguese. While some sources suggest a later widespread adoption, they entered the Indian subcontinent during the colonial exchange period (16th-17th centuries).
2. Potatoes: Native to Peru and Bolivia. They were introduced to India by the Portuguese in the early 17th century. Historical records indicate their cultivation in the Surat region during this period.
3. Chillies: Native to Mexico. Introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century, they rapidly replaced long pepper (pippali) and black pepper as the primary source of pungency in Indian cuisine.
4. Pineapple: Native to South America (Brazil/Paraguay). It was introduced by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century. By the time of Emperor Jahangir (early 17th century), pineapples were being cultivated in Agra and were praised in Mughal records.