Explanation:

- Eighty merchants of London came together in the year 1600 (1)______ the East India Company.

- The context suggests the creation or formation of the company.

- Possible options: "to form," "to establish."

- They wanted to enter (2)______ business with Indian traders in the fields of textile and spices.

- The sentence discusses initiating or engaging in trade.

- Possible options: "into," "in."

- They (3)______ inspired by the Portuguese and the Dutch who were (4)______ a flourishing trade in spices.

- Suggest motivation or influence by predecessors.

- Possible options for (3): "were," "got."

- Earning huge (5)______.

- The word should convey financial gain.

- Options:

- 1. Advantages: Typically means favorable conditions, not specifically financial.

- 2. Benefits: Refers to advantages, often not strictly monetary.

- 3. Proceeds: Could fit financially but often linked to sales or auctions.

- 4. Profits: Directly indicates monetary gains from business.