In the context of preindependence India, several European nations came as traders. The Portuguese were the first, arriving in the 15th century, followed by the Dutch in the 17th century. English traders, known as the British East India Company, arrived during the early part of the 17th century and, over time, became the dominant political force in India. The French were the last to arrive, in the later part of the 17th century, through their trading company, the French East India Company. Although they established a few trading posts, their impact was less significant compared to the other Europeans, particularly the British. Thus, among the provided options, the French (option 3) were the last Europeans to come to preindependence India as traders.