European Traders in India in the 16th to 18th Centuries—Dutch

The Dutch emerged as major European traders in India between the 16th and 18th centuries, driven primarily by their desire to access the lucrative spice markets of South-East Asia. To achieve this goal, the Dutch undertook several voyages from 1596 and, in 1602, established the Dutch East India Company, known as the Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC). The VOC was granted exclusive trading rights and extensive military powers by the Dutch state, enabling it to wage war, make treaties, and establish settlements.

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