Political Science · Comparative Political Analysis
UGC NET January 2026 Political Science
Passage
East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, was a Portuguese colony for over 300 years. It was invaded in 1975 by Indonesian troops, following the precipitous departure of Portugal. This led to one of the longest and bloodiest guerrilla wars in history, in which about a third of East Timor's 650,000 inhabitants were killed through mass executions, bombings and above all starvation. Following the fall of the Indonesian dictator Suharto, the Government agreed to hold a referendum in 1999, in which 75 percent of East Timorese voted for independence.
As per the passage, East Timor was a Portuguese colony for
AOver 200 years
BOver 300 years ✓ Correct
COver 400 years
DOver 500 years
Correct answer: (B) Over 300 years — The passage states East Timor was a Portuguese colony for over 300 years, so that is the answer.
Explanation
★The passage states East Timor was a Portuguese colony for over 300 years, so that is the answer.
★Portuguese rule began in the sixteenth century and lasted until 1975.
★This long colonial period shaped the territory's language and religion.
★Portugal departed abruptly, leaving a power vacuum in 1975.
★The figures of 200, 400 or 500 years do not match the passage.
★Indonesia then invaded and annexed the territory.
★Centuries of Portuguese rule distinguish East Timor from its Dutch-colonised neighbours.
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