When was tobacco introduced in Northern India ?

[amp_mcq option1=”15^th century” option2=”16^th century” option3=”17^th century” option4=”18^th century” correct=”option2″]

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UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021

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Tobacco was introduced to India by the Portuguese towards the end of the 16th century, during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar (1556-1605).

– It quickly gained popularity and was widely used across India by the early 17th century.
– Emperor Jahangir (1605-1627) issued orders against the use of tobacco, indicating its widespread adoption by his time.

While introduced in the late 16th century, its widespread use and cultural integration happened more in the 17th century. However, the question asks for when it was ‘introduced’, which places it firmly in the 16th century. The Portuguese brought it from the Americas following the Columbian Exchange.

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