Impact of Portuguese on India – Food, Agriculture, Military & Printing Press

The contribution of Portuguese to India made a lasting impact on India’s history, not only through their dominance in trade but also through their influence on international politics, primarily driven by military power. However, this era came to an end in 1961 when Independent India successfully liberated its longest-held colony, Goa. Although it is challenging to precisely quantify the Portuguese effect, their presence in India marked the onset of a cultural movement that reverberates in contemporary times.

IMPACT OF PORTUGUESE ON FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

Portuguese had the following impact on Food and agriculture:

• New Crops: The Portuguese introduced crops such as potato, tomato, maize, papaya, peanuts, guava, avocado, tobacco, and chillies to India. These crops have become integral to Indian cuisine and are widely used in various dishes.
• Cashew Nut: The Portuguese imported the cashew nut, which is now used to decorate sweets, make snacks, and produce the popular liquor feni. Cashew juice is fermented to create feni, a strong alcoholic beverage.
• Fermentation Techniques: The Portuguese introduced techniques for fermenting yeast, leading to the production of leavened bread in India. This technique has become widespread, and leavened bread is a common staple in Indian cuisine.
• Culinary Influences: The Portuguese brought wine into Indian cooking and popularized the use of different types of vinegar. Their influence can be seen in dishes like Vada Pav and Pao Baji, which have become popular across the country.
• Alphonso Mango: The Portuguese played a role in developing the Alphonso mango through grafting techniques. This variety of mango, named after the Viceroy, is highly regarded for its exceptional taste and is widely enjoyed in India.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

IMPACT OF PORTUGUESE ON MILITARY CULTURE AND MODERNIZATION

From new battle tactics and raw military force demonstration, it had varied impacts: 

• Superior Naval Power: The Portuguese possessed superior naval gunnery, and improved ship construction, and seamanship skills, giving them an advantage in naval warfare during the Age of Discovery. Their new battle tactics and raw military force demonstrated their primacy among European nations.
• Violent Combat Style: The Portuguese brought a combative style of warfare influenced by missionary fervour and animosity towards Muslims and indigenous populations. This aggressive approach shaped their military culture and tactics in India.
• Unprecedented Firepower: The Portuguese Armadas, sponsored and equipped by the Crown of Portugal, had an unprecedented level of firepower in India. The resounding sound of their ship-mounted guns echoed across Kerala, showcasing their military might.
• Fortified Outposts and Coercive Control: The Portuguese established a chain of heavily fortified outposts connected by armed ships to control commerce in distant oceans. Through coercion and the use of force, they influenced market forces and maintained control over trade routes.
• Introduction of the ‘Cartaz’ System: The Portuguese implemented the ‘Cartaz’ system, which required every ship to pay a specific sum to obtain a ‘Cartaz’ (license) from the Portuguese authorities. Ships without a Cartaz were seized, and their crews were either killed or imprisoned, showcasing the extent of Portuguese control.

IMPACT OF PORTUGUESE EDUCATION AND PRINTING PRESS

In 1556, the printing press was introduced in Goa, enabling the mass production of books:

• Focus on Christian Propagation: Initially, the printing press was used for publications related to the propagation of Christianity and missionary institutions.
• First Printing Press in India: The first printing press in India was established at the Jesuit Saint Paul’s College in Old Goa.
• First Book Printed in India: The first book printed in India was the “Compendio Spiritual DaVide Christaa” (Spiritual Compendium of the Christian Life) by Gaspar Jorge de Leo Pereira, the Portuguese Archbishop of Goa.
• Vernacular Literature and Expansion: The printing press contributed to the creation of a significant amount of vernacular literature, expanding access to knowledge and information.
• Propagation of Ideas: Journals, newspapers, and literary works facilitated by the printing press played a role in spreading ideas of patriotism and modern values throughout India.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

CONCLUSION

The Portuguese presence in India significantly impacted Indian society, introducing new crops and culinary influences, promoting military culture, modernization, and the printing press. Their diverse contributions left a lasting cultural and historical legacy in India.

DOWNLOAD PDF