East India Company Exports from Bengal

In the mid-18th century, Bengal was a major source of exports for the East India Company. The primary staple commodities exported from Bengal were cotton textiles, silk, saltpetre (potassium nitrate, used for gunpowder and explosives), and opium. These were high-value commodities that were in significant demand in Europe and other markets. Cotton and silk products from Bengal were renowned for quality and were major trade goods. Saltpetre was strategically important for European military supplies. Opium became increasingly important in the Company's trade. Raw cotton (option a) was not a major export since Bengal was primarily an exporter of finished cotton textiles, not raw cotton. Options (b) and (c) do not reflect the primary Bengal exports of this period. > Bengal's EIC exports: cotton textiles, silk, saltpetre, opium. Answer: (d).