Key Portuguese Administrators in India: Vasco Da Gama, Francisco De Almeida, Alfonso de Albuquerque, and Nino da Cunha

The arrival of Vasco da Gama in Calicut in 1498 and the subsequent establishment of Portuguese power in India transformed Indian Ocean trade and regional politics. Key figures like Francisco de Almeida, Alfonso de Albuquerque, and Nino da Cunha consolidated control over strategic ports such as Goa, Cochin, and Cannanore. These developments are critical for students preparing for history exams focusing on European maritime expansion and the beginnings of colonial influence in India.

Portuguese Establishment and Expansion in India (1498-1537): Trade, Conflict, and Colonial Power

• The period between 1498 and 1537 marked the arrival of Portuguese explorers and their consolidation of trade and political influence in India.
  • (i) Vasco da Gama opened the direct sea route to India in 1498.
  • (ii) Francisco de Almeida and Alfonso de Albuquerque strengthened Portuguese presence through forts, naval policies, and strategic conquests.
  • (iii) Nino da Cunha expanded and consolidated Portuguese power, shifting headquarters to Goa and acquiring new territories.

• Arrival of Vasco da Gama and Initial Interactions

  The first European voyage to Calicut by Vasco da Gama set the stage for direct trade and the establishment of Portuguese influence.

  • Landing at Calicut

    • (i) Arrived in May 1498 with three ships, guided by Abdul Majid, a Gujarati pilot.
    • (ii) Welcomed by the Zamorin (Samuthiri) of Calicut due to the city’s prosperity as a trading hub.
    • (iii) Encountered apprehension from Arab traders on the Malabar coast.

  • Impact on Indian Ocean Trade

    • (i) Disrupted existing trade networks involving Indians, Arabs, Africans, Chinese, and Javanese.
    • (ii) Portuguese aimed to monopolize profitable eastern trade, excluding competitors like Arabs.

  • First Voyage: Establishing the Pepper Trade

    • (i) Stayed in India for three months, returning to Portugal with a rich cargo.
    • (ii) Reduced dependence on Muslim middlemen, increasing European profits.

• Pedro Alvarez Cabral: Establishing a Portuguese Presence

  Cabral’s expedition strengthened Portuguese foothold through trade, conflict resolution, and strategic alliances.

  • Cabral at Calicut

    • (i) Established a factory at Calicut in September 1500.
    • (ii) Factory attacked by locals, leading to deaths of Portuguese personnel.
    • (iii) Retaliated by seizing Arab ships and cargo, bombarding Calicut.

  • Treaties and Trade Centers

    • (a) Formed advantageous treaties with Cochin and Cannanore.
    • (b) Calicut, Cochin, and Cannanore became key Portuguese trade hubs.

• Francisco De Almeida: Governor and the Blue Water Policy

  Almeida was appointed in 1505 to consolidate Portuguese control and disrupt Muslim trade.

  • Objectives and Fortifications

    • (i) Build forts at Anjadiva, Cochin, Cannanore, and Kilwa.
    • (ii) Destroy Muslim trade by seizing Aden, Ormuz, and Malacca.
    • (iii) Naval dominance policy known as Blue Water Policy with cartaze system.

  • Opposition and Naval Engagements

    • (i) Faced resistance from Zamorin and Mameluke Sultan of Egypt.
    • (ii) 1507 defeat off Diu by combined Egyptian and Gujarat navies; avenged in 1508.

• Alfonso de Albuquerque: Consolidating Portuguese Power

  Albuquerque secured strategic positions and established colonial society in India.

  • Acquisition of Goa and Strategic Bases

    • (i) Captured Goa from Sultan of Bijapur in 1510; abolished sati.
    • (ii) Established strongholds in Malabar, Malacca, and East Africa for maritime control.
    • (iii) Introduced permit system for ships and controlled shipbuilding centers.

  • Encouragement of Portuguese Settlers

    • (i) Settlers took local wives, became landlords, introduced new crops like tobacco and cashew nut, and developed infrastructure.
    • (ii) In cities like Goa and Cochin, settled as artisans, craftsmen, and traders, establishing permanent communities.

• Nino da Cunha: Governorship and Expansion

  Nino da Cunha assumed office in 1529 and expanded Portuguese influence to Goa, Bassein, Diu, and Bengal.

  • Headquarters Shift and Territorial Acquisition

    • (i) Moved headquarters from Cochin to Goa in 1530.
    • (ii) Secured Bassein in 1534 from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat; later obtained Diu.
    • (iii) Increased influence in Bengal with settlements at Hooghly.

• Albuquerque’s Policy on Muslims and Favourable Conditions

  Albuquerque’s rule was marked by persecution of Muslims and exploitation of favourable conditions in India, securing Portuguese supremacy.

  • Policy and Fortifications

    • (i) Strengthened Goa as a commercial and military hub.
    • (ii) Encouraged Portuguese men to take Indian wives, creating a permanent population.
    • (iii) Bitter persecution of Muslims aimed at eliminating competition in trade (The Gazetteer of India, Vol. II).

  • Favourable Conditions in India

    • (i) Northern India divided among small powers; Deccan fragmented; no local naval strength.
    • (ii) Chinese navigation restrictions and disorganized Arab traders allowed Portuguese to dominate Indian Ocean trade.
    • (iii) Portuguese ship cannons and naval organization gave them significant advantage.

• Summary: Portuguese Expansion in India (1498-1537)

  The voyages of Vasco da Gama, Pedro Alvarez Cabral, and governance of Francisco de Almeida and Alfonso de Albuquerque transformed Indian Ocean trade and established Portuguese colonial supremacy in India. These events demonstrate the strategic use of forts, naval dominance, trade monopolies, and settlement policies, and are essential for students studying early European maritime expansion and colonial history.