The correct answer is (b) Portuguese.
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in India, and they established a trading post in Kochi in 1503. The rulers of Kochi were initially suspicious of the Portuguese, but they soon realized that the Portuguese could be a valuable ally against their enemies. The Portuguese provided the rulers of Kochi with military support, and they also helped to promote trade between Kochi and Portugal.
The close ties between the rulers of Kochi and the Portuguese continued for many years. However, in the 17th century, the Dutch began to challenge the Portuguese for control of trade in India. The Dutch were eventually successful in driving the Portuguese out of Kochi, but the close ties between the rulers of Kochi and the Portuguese had a lasting impact on the history of the region.
The other options are incorrect because:
- The British arrived in India much later than the Portuguese, and they did not establish close ties with the rulers of Kochi until the 18th century.
- The Dutch were rivals of the Portuguese, and they did not have close ties with the rulers of Kochi.
- The French arrived in India even later than the British, and they did not have close ties with the rulers of Kochi.