Explore the timelines and contributions of Portuguese administrators in India, including Vasco Da Gama, Francisco De Almeida, Alfonso de Albuquerque, and Nino da Cunha, and understand the decline of Portuguese power.
The Decline of Portuguese Power
The Portuguese power in India, once dominant after Vasco-da-Gama’s arrival in 1498, gradually declined due to multiple political, social, religious, and economic factors. Their rigid religious policies, piracy, rivalry with Dutch and English, and shifting priorities weakened their empire. The following sections highlight the major causes behind this downfall and the key historical events that shaped it.
Major Causes Behind the Decline of Portuguese Power in India
The decline of Portuguese authority in India was driven by internal weaknesses and external challenges.
(i) By the 18th century, the Portuguese lost their commercial dominance, surviving only through limited trade and widespread piracy.
(ii) Hooghly became a hub for pirates operating in the Bay of Bengal, tarnishing Portuguese reputation.
(iii) The rise of strong dynasties in Egypt, Persia, and North India reduced Portuguese strategic influence.
(iv) The Marathas captured Salsette and Bassein in 1739, a heavy blow to Portuguese territories.
(v) Harsh religious policies such as Jesuit missions and forced Christian conversions created resentment among locals.
(vi) Their dishonest trading practices and arrogance, coupled with a reputation as sea pirates, alienated rulers and traders.
(vii) The discovery of Brazil diverted Portugal’s economic focus away from India.
(viii) The union of Spain and Portugal in 1580–81 dragged them into European wars with England and Holland, weakening their hold on India.
(ix) Their monopoly over the sea route to India ended as the Dutch and English excelled in navigation.
(x) Competition from the Dutch and English, backed by greater resources and stronger strategies, completely overshadowed Portuguese influence.
Key Events in the Rise and Fall of Portuguese Power
The trajectory of Portuguese rule in India can be traced through several milestones—from Vasco-da-Gama’s arrival to their defeats by Dutch, English, and Marathas. Below are the most significant events marking their expansion and subsequent decline.
Events Leading to Portuguese Rise
(i) 1498: Vasco-da-Gama arrived at Calicut, welcomed by the Zamorin, marking the start of Portuguese presence in India.
(ii) 1503: Construction of the first Portuguese fort at Cochin, strengthening military foothold.
(iii) 1510: Alfonso de Albuquerque captured Goa from Bijapur, establishing their capital in India.
Events Highlighting the Decline
(a) 1596: Loss of Southeast Asia territories to the Dutch.
(b) 1612: Defeat at Surat by the English, breaking their commercial monopoly.
(c) 1663: Loss of forts on the Malabar Coast to the Dutch.
The decline of Portuguese power in India was a result of military defeats, religious intolerance, piracy, and competition from Dutch and English traders. While their early dominance began with Vasco-da-Gama’s arrival and Goa’s conquest, their empire steadily crumbled by the 17th–18th centuries. Ultimately, the Portuguese influence in India became confined to a few territories, leaving the field open for new European powers.
