Yanam, which is now part of the Union Territory of Puducherry on the eastern coast of India, was historically a colony of which European power?

Introduction / Context:
Before independence, several coastal enclaves in India were under the control of different European powers. Understanding which power controlled which territory is a frequent topic in history based general knowledge questions. Yanam is one such enclave on the eastern coast that is now administered as part of the Union Territory of Puducherry. The question asks you to identify which European nation ruled Yanam during the colonial period.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- Yanam is geographically located on the eastern side of India, surrounded by the state of Andhra Pradesh.

- It is administratively linked to Puducherry, which itself was a collection of former colonial enclaves.

- The options list four European powers that were active in India at different times: Danish, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Concept / Approach:
Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam were the main French possessions in India. Together, they formed French India until they were de facto transferred to India in the nineteen fifties. Danish influence was mainly in places like Tranquebar, Portuguese rule was centred on Goa, Daman, and Diu, and Spain did not establish significant colonial enclaves in India. Therefore, by linking Yanam with the history of French India, we can identify the French as the colonial power that controlled this territory.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that Yanam is part of the Union Territory of Puducherry, which was previously a French possession in India. Step 2: Recall that the main French enclaves in India were Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Step 3: Note that Danish settlements such as Tranquebar were in different regions and are not connected with Yanam. Step 4: Remember that Portuguese control was concentrated in Goa, Daman, and Diu, and not in Yanam. Step 5: Recognise that Spain did not maintain notable colonial enclaves within Indian territory. Step 6: Conclude that the European power associated with Yanam is the French.

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical references on French India identify Yanam as one of the French settlements on the Coromandel Coast. Documents on the merger of French territories with the Indian Union list Yanam along with Puducherry, Karaikal, and Mahe. These sources clearly show that France, not Denmark, Spain, or Portugal, administered Yanam during the colonial period. This repeated mention across textbooks and reliable history summaries confirms that the French were the colonial rulers of Yanam.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Danish traders operated out of ports such as Tranquebar and Serampore, not Yanam, so Danish rule does not match this enclave. Spanish colonial activity focused on regions like the Americas and the Philippines, and there is no major record of Spanish colonies in India. Portuguese rule was important but associated with Goa, Daman, Diu, and parts of western and southern coasts, not with Yanam on the eastern side. Thus, while these powers played roles in global colonisation, they are not the correct answer for Yanam.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes group all small coastal enclaves together as Portuguese out of habit, because Goa is very well known. Others may confuse French and Portuguese territories along the east coast. To avoid such mistakes, it is useful to remember a simple association: Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam were French; Goa, Daman, and Diu were Portuguese; and Danish territories were fewer and more scattered. This memory map makes questions like this straightforward.

Final Answer:
Yanam was historically a colony of the French colonial power.