The arrival of the Portuguese in India signified the onset of European colonialism within the subcontinent.

Reasons for the Portuguese Voyage to India

Following the decline of the Roman Empire and the fall of Constantinople in 1453, Arab dominance in Egypt and Persia led to control over the trade routes to India. This resulted in the Europeans losing direct access to India and its valuable commodities.

• Motivation for Exploration: In the 15th century, there was a growing enthusiasm in Europe for daring sea voyages to reach the East, spurred by the spirit of the Renaissance and advancements in shipbuilding and navigation.
• Division of Global Territories: The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) partitioned the non-Christian world between Portugal and Spain, granting Portugal dominion over eastern territories and Spain over western territories. This laid the groundwork for Portuguese ventures into the waters surrounding India.

Portuguese Governors

Vasco da Gama

• The arrival of Vasco da Gama in Calicut (now Kozhikode) in 1498 left a lasting imprint on Indian history. 
• Welcomed by the Hindu ruler of Calicut, the Zamorin, whose kingdom's prosperity relied on trade, da Gama's presence stirred unease among Arab traders, who held sway along the Malabar coast. 
• The Portuguese sought to monopolize lucrative eastern trade, aiming to sideline their competitors, particularly the Arabs. 
• Despite facing resistance from the Zamorin, da Gama returned to India in 1501, encountering further opposition when attempting to exclude Arab merchants in favor of the Portuguese.

Francisco de Almeida (1505-1509)

• Appointed as the Governor of India in 1505, Francisco de Almeida's mission was to solidify Portuguese influence and disrupt Muslim trade. 
• Despite facing challenges from the Zamorin and the Mamluk Sultan of Egypt, Almeida pursued his objectives. 
• Though initially defeated in a naval battle off Diu in 1507, Almeida's squadron avenged the loss the following year. 
• Employing the Blue Water Policy, Almeida aimed to assert Portuguese mastery over the Indian Ocean, implementing the Cartaze system, a naval trade license, to regulate trade.

Alfonso de Albuquerque (1509-1515)

• Succeeding Almeida, Alfonso de Albuquerque strategically established Portuguese bases at key points overlooking Indian Ocean entrances. 
• Introducing a permit system for ships, Albuquerque also controlled major shipbuilding centers. 
• Goa was seized from the Sultan of Bijapur in 1510, marking the first European control over an Indian territory since Alexander the Great's era. 
• Albuquerque's administration witnessed Portuguese settlers in India, engaging as landlords, artisans, craftsmen, and traders. 
• Notably, Albuquerque abolished the practice of sati during his rule.

Nino da Cunha (1529-1538)

• Moving the headquarters from Cochin to Goa, Nino da Cunha expanded Portuguese control by securing the island of Bassein and its dependencies from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat in 1534. 
• Tensions escalated with Humayun's withdrawal from Gujarat, leading to a confrontation resulting in Bahadur Shah's death at the hands of the Portuguese in 1537. 
• Additionally, da Cunha sought to bolster Portuguese influence in Bengal, resettling many Portuguese nationals with Hooghly as their base of operations.

Portuguese Decline

By the 18th century, the Portuguese presence in India witnessed a diminishing commercial influence.

• The Portuguese saw a decline in their regional advantages as formidable dynasties rose in Egypt, Persia, and North India, while the Marathas emerged as neighboring powers. In 1739, the Marathas seized Salsette and Bassein from the Portuguese.
• Moreover, the religious policies pursued by the Portuguese, particularly the activities of the Jesuits, raised political apprehensions. Their endeavors to convert locals to Christianity, coupled with hostility towards Muslims, stirred discontent among Hindu communities.

Importance of the Portuguese

• Pioneers of Naval Power: The Portuguese arrival in India marked the dawn of naval supremacy and inaugurated what is often termed as the European era.
• Innovation in Governance: Disregarding existing conventions, the Portuguese aimed to assert their dominance over Indian trade and the Indian Ocean trading system through their own administrative frameworks.
• Military Advancements: In sixteenth-century Malabar, the Portuguese showcased military prowess through innovative tactics, employing body armor, matchlock men, and advanced weaponry brought ashore from their ships.
• Mastery of Maritime Techniques: Renowned for their expertise in maritime affairs, the Portuguese excelled in constructing heavily fortified multi-decked ships, tailored to withstand the rigors of the Atlantic, enabling them to carry heavier armaments.
• Efficient Organization: Their adept organizational abilities, including the establishment of royal arsenals and dockyards, along with the implementation of a systematic pilot and mapping system, were noteworthy contributions.
• Religious Policy: With an ardent zeal to spread Christianity and suppress Islam, the Portuguese initially displayed tolerance towards Hindus but gradually grew more intolerant, especially following the introduction of the Inquisition in Goa.