Consider the following statements about the arrival of tobacco in India:

1. Tobacco plant arrived first in the Deccan.

2. Tobacco spread to northern India in the early years of the seventeenth century.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2.

Key Points Arrival of Tobacco in India

• Statement 1: "Tobacco plant arrived first in the Deccan."
  • This statement is correct. The tobacco plant was introduced to India around the beginning of the 17th century, and it is believed to have first arrived in the Deccan region.
  Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Statement 2: "Tobacco spread to northern India in the early years of the seventeenth century."
  • This statement is correct. After its introduction to the Deccan, tobacco quickly spread to northern India in the early years of the 17th century.
  Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Additional Information

• Portuguese Influence: The Portuguese were instrumental in introducing tobacco to India. They established colonies in Goa and other coastal regions, bringing with them new crops and goods, including tobacco.
• Spread of Tobacco: The spread of tobacco in India was facilitated by the existing trade networks and the movement of traders and merchants. It quickly became a popular commodity.
• Economic Impact: The cultivation of tobacco had significant economic implications. It became a cash crop for many farmers, contributing to the agricultural economy of the regions where it was grown.
• Health Concerns: Over time, the widespread use of tobacco has raised significant health concerns, including its association with various diseases such as cancer, respiratory illnesses, and cardiovascular diseases.
• Regulation and Control: In modern times, governments around the world, including India, have implemented regulations to control the use and sale of tobacco products to address public health concerns.