Arrange the following European trading companies' settlement in chronological order.

A. French in Pondicherry.
B. British in Calcutta.
C. Dutch in Masulipatnam.
D. British in Bombay.
E. Portuguese in Panaji.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

E, C, D, A, B

The correct answer is Option (4) → E, C, D, A, B

E. Portuguese in Panaji (Goa): The Portuguese were among the earliest European powers to establish trading posts in India. Vasco da Gama first reached Calicut in 1498, and the Portuguese established their presence in Goa in the early 16th century.

C. Dutch in Masulipatnam: The Dutch East India Company (VOC) began its operations in India in the early 17th century. They established a factory in Masulipatnam around 1605.

D. British in Bombay: The British East India Company was granted the rights to establish a factory in Surat in 1612. However, they acquired Bombay (Mumbai) from the Portuguese as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza in 1661, and it became a significant British settlement.

A. French in Pondicherry: The French East India Company was established in 1664, and the French established their settlement in Pondicherry in 1674.

B. British in Calcutta: The British East India Company established its first factory in Calcutta in 1690.

So, the correct option is [4].