Question map
Not attempted Correct Incorrect ★ Bookmarked
Loading…
Q104 (NDA-II/2024) History & Culture › Medieval India Official Key

Maize (makka) was introduced into India via

Result
Your answer: —  Â·  Correct: B
Explanation

Maize (Zea mays), a crop native to the Americas (Mexico), was introduced to India during the 16th and 17th centuries. While many New World crops are associated with the Portuguese, historical records and specific academic interpretations indicate that maize reached India via Africa and Spain.

  • Historical Route: After the Spanish encountered maize in the Americas, they introduced it to Europe and their territories in Africa. From the African coast, the crop was transported to India through established maritime trade routes across the Indian Ocean.
  • Spread: It gained popularity in India during the late Mughal period. The crop's ability to grow in diverse agro-climatic conditions led to its rapid adoption across the subcontinent.
  • Official Context: This specific classification (Africa and Spain) is often cited in historical geography and older academic texts regarding the diffusion of crops through the Mediterranean and African trade circuits.
How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
57%
got it right
✓ Thank you! We'll review this.

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

NDA-I · 2025 · Q61 Relevance score: 8.55

Maize (makka) was introduced into India in the seventeenth century via

NDA-II · 2018 · Q74 Relevance score: -1.41

Which one of the following crops was introduced by the Portuguese in India?

CDS-I · 2003 · Q90 Relevance score: -2.12

The shaded area in the map of India given below shows the distribution of

IAS · 2012 · Q6 Relevance score: -2.94

Consider the following : 1. Assessment of land revenue on the basis of nature of the soil and the quality of crops 2. Use of mobile cannons in warfare 3. Cultivation of tobacco and red chillies Which of the above was/were introduced into India by the English?

IAS · 2025 · Q75 Relevance score: -3.41

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?