Who were the first Europeans to establish sea trade centers in India?

Key Fact(s)

The Portuguese were the earliest European power to establish sea trade centers in India following the discovery of the direct sea route via the Cape of Good Hope. After 1498, they set up factories and fortified trading posts at strategic coastal locations such as Cochin, Calicut, Goa, Diu, and Daman. Their trade centers focused mainly on the spice trade, especially pepper and cinnamon.

The Portuguese combined naval power with commerce, ensuring dominance over maritime routes in the Indian Ocean. These centers marked the beginning of European maritime trade and colonial influence in India and paved the way for later European powers like the Dutch, English, and French.