Consider the following statements: 1. Dutch opened a factory at Pulicat in 1609. 2. English built a factory at Masulipatam in1611. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct ?

Both statements are historically accurate regarding the establishment of European trading posts in India:

• Statement 1: The Dutch East India Company (VOC) obtained the right to establish a factory at Pulicat from the King of Chandragiri in 1609. This site eventually became the Dutch headquarters on the Coromandel Coast and the location of Fort Geldria.
• Statement 2: The English East India Company established its first factory in South India at Masulipatam (Machilipatnam) in 1611. This was a strategic location for the export of textiles and muslin from the Golconda kingdom.

Because both dates provided in the question align with standard historical accounts used in competitive examinations, Option C (Both 1 and 2) is the correct choice.