The staple commodities of export by the English East Indian Company from Bengal in the middle of the 18^th century were

The correct option is Cotton, silk, saltpetre and opium.

During the middle of the 18^th century (around the 1750s), Bengal was one of the richest provinces in the Indian subcontinent, renowned for its fertile land and flourishing manufacturing industries.

The English East India Company established a dominant trading network in Bengal. The main staple commodities exported by the Company from Bengal included:

1. Cotton textiles: Bengal was world-famous for its high-quality cotton piece goods, muslins, and calicoes.

2. Raw silk and silk textiles: Bengal silk was highly sought after in European and Asian markets.

3. Saltpetre (Potassium Nitrate): Used extensively in Europe for manufacturing gunpowder, making it a critical strategic import.

4. Opium: Produced in large quantities in Bengal and Bihar, which was later exported primarily to China.

Therefore, the staple commodities of export were cotton, silk, saltpetre, and opium.