To answer this question, you need to have some knowledge about the colonial history of Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay). Let's go through each option to understand why it is correct or incorrect:
Option A) Portugal - This option is correct because Portugal was the first European power to arrive in Mumbai. In 1534, the Portuguese established a strategic trading post in Mumbai, which later became one of their most important possessions in India.
Option B) Spain - This option is incorrect because Spain did not have a significant presence in Mumbai during the colonial period. Spain mainly focused on its colonies in the Americas.
Option C) France - This option is incorrect because France did establish a presence in India, but it was primarily concentrated in regions like Pondicherry and Chandannagar. Mumbai was not a major French settlement.
Option D) England - This option is incorrect because England (later known as Britain) arrived in Mumbai much later. The British East India Company acquired Mumbai as a part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza, who married Charles II of England in 1661.
The correct answer is A) Portugal. Portugal was the first European power to arrive in Mumbai and establish a trading post there.