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Portuguese Governors in India: Shaping Empires and Enduring Legacy of Colonial Rule

Introduction: The Portuguese Governors in India, Shaping a Maritime Empire #

After the arrival of Vasco Da Gama in 1948, the Portuguese slowly began to dominate trade in the region. After seven years of engagement in India, the Portuguese in 1505, decided to appoint a Permanent Governor to administer their possession in the Indian Ocean.

Reasons for Appointment of Portuguese Governors in India: Pioneering Permanent Presence and Strategic Administration #

  • Permanent Presence: Earlier the Portuguese relied on yearly expeditions for trade, now it was decided to have a permanent station.
  • Represent the Emperor’s Interests: A crown representative ensured that the traders acted to further the goals of the Emperor and can not indulge in personal missions.
  • Centralise Management: The Portuguese had control over various territories across the Indian Ocean regions which needed coordinated efforts to be efficiently managed.
  • Provide Strategic Vision: Governors were better able to manage the resources and act according to the strategic objectives.
  • Control Internal Rivalries: A governor under authority of the Crown could demand obedience from all other officials and soldiers, therefore, it established a clear hierarchy amongst the officials.

Major Highlights of the Institution of Portuguese Governors in India: The Evolution and Eclipse of the Viceroyalty #

  • First Appointment: Francisco De Almeida was appointed with the title of Viceroy.
  • First Nomination: Tristao da Cunha was the first Person to be nominated as Viceroy but he could not assume Office.
  • Jurisdiction: Till 1952, the Governors of Portuguese India were in charge of all Portuguese possessions in the Indian Ocean but it was gradually reduced.
  • Abolition of Title: The Title was Abolished in 1961 after India’s victory under Operation Vijay.

Portuguese Governors in India and their Contributions: Architects of Empire, Navigators of Change #

Governors Description

Francisco De Almeida

Francisco De Almeida

  • Appointment: He was the first governor and viceroy of the Portuguese State in India, appointed by King Manuel I of Portugal.
  • Tenure: 12 September 1505 – November 1509
  • Title: Was granted the title of Viceroy.
  • Contributions:
    • He established Portuguese hegemony in the Indian Ocean with his victory at the naval Battle of Diu in 1509.
    • He built Fort Anjediva (Anjediva Island) and St. Angelo Fort (Cannanore).
    • He strengthened the empire with his ‘Blue Water Policy’ i.e. to be powerful at sea instead of building fortresses on land.
    • Arrested Afonso de Albuquerque (Later the Second Governor). 

Afonso de Albuquerque

Afonso de Albuquerque

  • Appointment:  He succeeded Almeida as the Second Portuguese governor in India 
  • Tenure: 4 November 1509 – September 1515
  • Contributions: 
    • He secured for Portugal the strategic control of the Indian Ocean by establishing bases overlooking all the entrances to the sea.
    •  Conquered Goa, Malacca, Muscat and Hormuz.
  • He occupied Goa from the Sultan of Bijapur in 1510.
    •  He started the First Portuguese Mint in the east, issuing gold, silver, and bronze coins based on local designs but engraved with the badge of the Portuguese kings.
    • He is considered the real founder of the Portuguese power in the East.

Vasco da Gama

Vasco da Gama

  • Appointment: Appointed by John II 
  • Tenure: September 1524- December 1524
  • Title: Second governor to have the title of Viceroy.
  • Major Events:
    • This  became his third voyage to India
    • His tenure was short lived and he died of Malaria

Nuno da Cunha

Nuno da Cunha

  • Appointment: He assumed office as the Ninth governor in November 1529
  • Tenure: November 1529 – 1538 
  • Major Event: He Shifted the headquarters of the Portuguese government in India from Cochin to Goa in 1530.
  • Territorial Expansion: 
    • During his tenure, he captured Diu and Bassein from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat.
    • He also established settlements at Salsette, Daman and Bombay on the west coast and at San Thome near Madras and Hugli in Bengal on the east coast.

Manuel António Vassalo e Silva

Manuel António Vassalo e Silva

  • Appointment: Was appointed as the 128th Governor-General of Portuguese India by Dictator-for-Life Salazar.
  • Tenure: 1958-1961
  • He was the Last Portuguese Governor of India
  • Important Event: His tenure marked the end of about 450 years of Portuguese rule in India
  • End of Portuguese Rule: On December 19, 1961, the Indian government launched Operation Vijay, resulting in the annexation of Goa and other Portuguese-held territories. 
  • This marked the end of Portuguese rule in India

Conclusion: 

  • The Portuguese early arrival and success was the result of the heroics of men like Almeida, Albuquerque who laid the foundations of Europe’s first Asian empire and changed the course of history. 
    • Although many future Governors could not rise to the occasion, this resulted in the gradual decline of the Portuguese Asian Empire.
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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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