Portuguese in India – Advent, Rise and Decline

The Portuguese in India

Over 500 years ago, the Portuguese conquered Goa, marking a pivotal moment in Indian history. This event began 400 years of Portuguese rule in the region and shaped its maritime and cultural legacy.
The Portuguese were the pioneers in establishing European control over the Indian Ocean trade, and their arrival marked the beginning of colonial expansion in India.

About the Advent of Portuguese (Europeans)

Vasco da Gama’s arrival in Calicut in 1498 marked a pivotal moment in global history, opening a direct maritime route between Europe and India. This event sparked the beginning of European exploration and colonialism, driven by the pursuit of spices, wealth, and religious expansion.
As pioneers, the Portuguese established European supremacy in the Indian Ocean, impacting India’s trade, culture, and politics. Their arrival altered India’s socio-economic fabric and set the stage for a transformation in global commerce, laying the groundwork for centuries of colonial influence in Asia.

Need for New Trading Routes to India During The Age of Exploration

India, known for its wealth in cloth, spices, and drugs, attracted traders and invaders through various trade routes that existed for centuries. However, by the late 14^th century, a combination of geopolitical, technological, economic, and religious factors during the Age of Exploration prompted the search for new trade routes to India.

1) Geographical Causes

Unstable Land Routes: Arab raids in the 10^th century made land routes unsafe.
Safe Sea Passage: Oceans offered safer and open routes compared to land.

2) Technological Causes

Navigation Advancements: Tools like the astrolabe and compass improved sea navigation.
Gunpowder: The introduction of gunpowder allowed ships to defend against attacks.

3) Political Causes

Trade Monopolies: Venice and Genoa controlled the trade routes, limiting competition.
Ottoman Empire: The Ottomans controlled key routes, restricting access to Europe.
Rise of Nation-States: Stronger centralised states like Spain and Portugal sponsored explorations.

4) Economic Causes

Economic Growth: European economic expansion increased trade.
Demand for Spices: Europe’s need for spices grew, driving trade.
Profit Maximization: New routes had to be explored to increase profits due to rising tolls and taxes.

5) Psychological Causes

Renaissance: The Renaissance-inspired exploration and adventure.
Mercantilism: The desire to increase national wealth through trade motivated European states.
Religious Causes: Explorers aimed to spread Christianity to new regions.

The Portuguese Began The European Colonialism in India

Arrival: Vasco da Gama’s arrival in Calicut (1498) opened a direct sea route between Europe & India.
Driving Factors: European powers were motivated by a quest for spices, wealth & spread of Christianity.
Portuguese Pioneers: The Portuguese spearheaded European dominance in the Indian Ocean region.
Impact on India: Indian trade, culture, and politics were profoundly affected by European interventions.
Global Transformation: The event revolutionised global commerce and paved the way for centuries of colonialism in Asia.

The Establishment of the Portuguese State in India

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a lasting presence in India. Their arrival was driven by economic and religious motives, aiming to control the spice trade, dismantle the Arab and Italian monopoly on Eastern trade, and spread Christianity in Asia and Africa.

Estado da India (1503-04)

The Portuguese State of India was created to govern the Portuguese colonies, with a Viceroy overseeing the administration. This body signalled that the Portuguese were not merely traders but intended to establish a Christian empire in the East.

Portuguese Governors and Military Campaigns

Francisco De Almeida (1505-09): Established naval supremacy in the Indian Ocean with the ‘Blue Water Policy‘, leading to the Portuguese victory in the Battle of Diu in 1509.
Alfonso de Albuquerque (1509-15): Conquered Goa in 1510, making it the Portuguese headquarters in India. His military conquests extended Portuguese from the Persian Gulf to Southeast Asia.
Nino de Cunha (1529-38): Consolidated Portuguese control by moving the capital from Cochin to Goa in 1530.
The Cartaze System: This was a controversial system in which Portuguese officials issued passes to Indian merchants, allowing them to trade without interference. Ships without these passes were seized.

Factors Behind the Decline of The Portuguese Power

Though the Portuguese’s early efforts set the foundation for the future of European colonialism in the Indian subcontinent, they couldn’t sustain their dominance for long and were eventually supplanted by other European powers in the mid-17^th century.

Political and Administrative Weaknesses

Successive Portuguese Viceroys after Albuquerque were weak and ineffective, leading to administrative decline and corruption.
Portugal’s political attachment to Spain in 1580 weakened its naval dominance.

Economic and Technological Factors

The rise of other naval powers, notably the Dutch and British, led to increased competition and military conflicts. The Portuguese could not keep up with these rivals’ growing naval capabilities.

Social and Religious Causes

Forceful religious conversions alienated locals, creating resentment towards Portuguese rule. Their inability to adapt socially and culturally in India contributed to the weakening of their influence.

Loss of Strategic Territory

In 1661, as part of a marriage agreement between Princess Catherine of Portugal and Charles II of England, Portugal ceded Bombay to England, marking the beginning of British dominance in India.
By the mid-17^th century, the Portuguese influence in India had significantly diminished, although they retained control over Goa, Daman, and Diu until 1961.

Impact of The Portuguese Rule on India

Despite their decline, the Portuguese left a lasting legacy in terms of culture, religion, trade, etc.

Religious Influence

The Portuguese propagated Christianity along the Malabar and Konkan coasts, with missionaries like St. Francis Xavier playing a key role in conversion efforts.
In 1540, many temples in Goa were destroyed, and Christian schools and colleges were established, promoting education in native languages and fostering religious change.

Cultural Influence

Portuguese missionaries and scholars researched Indian culture and history, including studies of the Indus Valley Civilization, enhancing cross-cultural understanding.
The introduction of the printing press and the translation of the Bible into local languages like Kannada and Malayalam helped spread literacy and knowledge, influencing regional cultures.

Others

Agricultural and Culinary Influence: The Portuguese introduced a variety of crops and fruits to India, including potatoes, sweet potatoes, tobacco, pineapple, and cashew nuts, enriching Indian agriculture.
Navy and Sea Trade: The Portuguese underscored the importance of naval power in controlling sea trade, which had long-lasting implications for maritime commerce.

Reference: Indian Express | PMF IAS Modern Indian History

FAQs

Who were the Portuguese in India?

The Portuguese were the first European colonial power to establish a stronghold in India. They arrived in 1498, led by Vasco da Gama, and became key players in the spice trade and maritime dominance.

When did the Portuguese first arrive in India?

The Portuguese arrived in India in 1498, when Vasco da Gama landed at Calicut (present-day Kozhikode), marking the start of European colonialism in India.

What was the Cartaz system implemented by the Portuguese?

The Cartaz system was a naval trade license introduced by the Portuguese to control and tax trade in the Indian Ocean. Merchants had to pay fees to secure safe passage for their ships.

Why was Goa important to the Portuguese Empire in India?

Goa became the administrative and religious hub of Portuguese India after its capture in 1510. It was central to their control over trade and the spread of Christianity.

What were the major Portuguese colonies in India?

The major Portuguese colonies in India included Goa, Daman, Diu, and Cochin. These strategic locations helped them dominate the spice trade.

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PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 1

Q. Discuss how the Portuguese established their colonial rule in India and critically evaluate the causes behind the fall of their power. (15 Marks | 250 Words)

Approach

Introduction: Briefly mention about The Portuguese and their arrival in India.
Body: Discuss the establishment and causes of the fall of Portuguese Rule in India.
Conclusion: Sum up in a sentence the role played by the Portuguese and the reason for their decline.