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?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All the three
(d) None

The correct answer is (c) All the three.

Explanation

All three fruits listed—Papaya, Pineapple, and Guava—are native to the Americas and were introduced to India by the Portuguese in the 16th and 17th centuries.

I. Papaya (Carica papaya): Native to tropical America (Mexico/Central America). It was brought to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
II. Pineapple (Ananas comosus): Native to South America (Brazil/Paraguay). It was introduced by the Portuguese around 1548. By the end of the 16th century, it was being cultivated in India and is even mentioned in the Ain-i-Akbari (a document from Emperor Akbar’s court).
III. Guava (Psidium guajava): Native to tropical America. It was introduced to India by the Portuguese in the early 17th century.

Learn More

The “Columbian Exchange” in Indian Cuisine

The arrival of the Portuguese marked a massive shift in Indian agriculture and cuisine. They brought with them many crops from the “New World” (the Americas) that are now considered staples of Indian food. This global transfer of plants, animals, and culture is known as the Columbian Exchange.

Besides the fruits mentioned above, other major Portuguese introductions include:

Chilli: Before the Portuguese brought chillies from South America, Indian heat came primarily from black pepper (Pippali).
Potato: A staple now, but originally from the Andes.
Tomato: Essential for many curries today, but a relatively recent addition.
Cashew nut: Brought to Goa to prevent soil erosion, now a major cash crop.
Tobacco: Introduced during the reign of Akbar.
Groundnut (Peanut)
Custard Apple (Sitaphal)
Chikoo (Sapodilla)