Dutch East Indies

The Dutch East Indies, or Netherlands East Indies, (Dutch: Nederlands Indië) was the name of the colonies set up by the Dutch East India Company, which came under administration of the Netherlands during the 19th century (see Indonesia).

Early history

Adventurous reconnoitering in the late 16th century (J H van Linschoten, 1582, and the daring adventures of Cornelis Houtman, 1592) paved the way for Houtman's voyage to Banten, the chief port of Java, and back (1595–97), which raised a very modest profit. Dutch penetration into the East Indies, which was Portugal's sphere, was slow and discreet.

Related Topics:
16th century - 1582 - Cornelis Houtman - 1592 - Banten - Java - 1595 - 97 - East Indies - Portugal

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