THE RELIGIOUS POLICY OF THE PORTUGUESE

PWOnlyIAS July 22, 2023 03:29 3745 0

INTRODUCTION

Pope Alexander VI issued a bull advising kings to “send to the said lands and islands good men who fear God and are learned, skilled, and expert to instruct the inhabitants in the Catholic faith and good morals.” The Catholic Church’s fundamental requirement for salvation appears to be a powerful motivating element in its religious policies. Portugal’s religious policies were utilized to Christianize the population wherever they went.

ABOUT THE RELIGIOUS POLICY OF THE PORTUGUESE

Methods and Strategies used by the Portuguese for religious conversion are provided in the table below:

Methods and Strategies used by the Portuguese for Religious Conversion
Mixed Marriages	Mixed marriages were seen as one of the origins of conversion. Albuquerque pushed his men to marry white and lovely Muslim widows and daughters. By providing financial assistance as well. As a result, they created a diverse community that was always loyal to the Portuguese leadership.
Job Offerings	When it came to hiring Christians in various industries, the Portuguese gave them precedence. It was ruled that only Christians might hold public office. As a result, many people converted to Christianity to find work.
Direct Evangelism	The Gospel was spread by skilled Portuguese chaplains. They built worship and gathering sites throughout their territory. These evangelisms were carried out by monks of several orders, including Franciscans, Dominicans, Jesuits, and Augustinians.
Forced Conversions	Forcible conversions were also practised by the Portuguese. The Portuguese were initially fairly tolerant towards Hindus. However, following the establishment of the Inquisition in Goa, there was a shift, and Hindus were also punished. They utilized their governmental and military strength to convert non-Christians to Christianity. They prohibited individuals of different religions from publicly worshipping within their borders. Temples and mosques were also demolished. Furthermore, only Christians were granted the privilege to own land and other property.
Education And Religious Instruction	The first school in Cochin was established by the Portuguese. Children from many socioeconomic groups attended the school. Children received rewards. This drew a large number of students to the institution. The children attended primary schooling as well as catechism sessions.

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Attempt to Convert Mughals

The Jesuits created a favourable effect in Akbar’s court, owing to the Mughal emperor’s interest in theological issues.
In September 1579, Akbar sent a letter to the Goa rulers seeking the dispatch of two scholarly priests.
The Church leaders in Goa eagerly accepted the invitation, seeing it as an opportunity to convert the Emperor, his court, and the people to Christianity. The task was assigned to Rodolfo Aquaviva and Antonio Monserrate, both Jesuit priests.
The second mission summoned by Akbar in 1590 ended similarly in 1592. The third mission, again summoned by Akbar, arrived at Lahore (where the court was then based) in 1595 and remained as a type of permanent institution, expanding its influence on secular politics.
The mission was led by Fathers Jerome Xavier and Emanuel Pinheiro.
When Prince Salim ascended the throne as Jahangir, he appeased Muslims by ignoring the Jesuit priests.
However, his short separation from the Jesuits gradually resolved, and in 1606, he reinstated his favours to them.
They were permitted to keep the exquisite and large church in Lahore, as well as the collegium, or priests’ quarters.
Jahangir’s conduct and arrogant actions from the Portuguese viceroys caused a rift with the Mughal emperor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Portuguese employed a variety of methods and strategies to promote religious conversion during their colonial rule. These included mixed marriages, job offerings, direct evangelism, forced conversions, and educational initiatives. While some conversions were voluntary, others were coerced through the use of governmental and military power. The Portuguese also attempted to convert Mughal emperors and their courts, but the relationship faced challenges and conflicts over time. The religious policies of the Portuguese left a lasting impact on the religious landscape of the regions they governed.

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THE RELIGIOUS POLICY OF THE PORTUGUESE

INTRODUCTION

ABOUT THE RELIGIOUS POLICY OF THE PORTUGUESE