Portuguese India: A Historical Overview of Trade, Conflict, and Monopolization
The history of modern India began with the advent of Europeans, marking a significant turning point in the region's economic and political landscape. This essay delves into the rise of Portuguese influence in India, their motivations, and the subsequent conflicts that defined their relationship with the Indian subcontinent.
The Decline of Roman Empire and the Rise of Arab Dominance
Following the fall of the Roman Empire, Arabs established a strong presence in regions such as Egypt and Persia, gaining control of key trade routes. As a result, the ease of access to Indian markets and their valuable commodities like spices, calicoes, silk, and others significantly declined. Merchandise from India traveled through Arab Muslim intermediaries, and the Red Sea trade route was dominated by Islamic rulers, who profited from this monopoly.
The Spirit of Renaissance and European Expansion
The spirit of the Renaissance was a driving force in European exploration and economic growth. This period saw significant advancements in shipbuilding, which enabled Europeans to explore new trade routes directly to India. The economic development of Europe was progressively enhanced through improvements in agriculture, such as crop rotation, and an increased supply of meat. These developments laid the foundation for the Portuguese to establish their own direct trade routes with India.
The Role of Prince Henry of Portugal and the Treaty of Tordesillas
Prince Henry of Portugal, nicknamed the Navigator, played a crucial role in Portugal's interest in Indian trade. His navigation efforts and the establishment of a trade route to India marked the beginning of Portuguese influence in the region. The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, was an agreement between Portugal and Spain, dividing the non-Christian world between the two powers by an imaginary line in the Atlantic. According to the treaty, Portugal was granted control over the eastern territories, enabling it to monopolize the lucrative trade with India.
The Arrival of Vasco da Gama and Initial Encounters
The arrival of Vasco da Gama, who led three ships to the Indian coast in 1498, marked a significant moment in the relationship between Portugal and India. Initially, the ruler of Calicut welcomed Vasco da Gama, offering him a friendly reception. However, the Portuguese sought to monopolize the lucrative trade of India, particularly by excluding competitors like the Arabs. This led to conflicts, including attacks on Portuguese factories and the seizure of Arab merchant ships by Francisco de Almeida, a key figure in the Portuguese expansion in India.
The Beginning of Conflicts and the Blue Water Policy
Conflicts between the Portuguese and various Indian and Arab forces intensified over time. One notable incident was the attack on Portuguese factories in Calicut, resulting in the deaths of locals. Francisco de Almeida, appointed as governor of India, was tasked with consolidating Portuguese interests and eliminating Muslim influence by seizing strategic locations such as Aden, Ormuz, and Malacca. However, his aggressive policies led to opposition from the Zamorin and threat from Mameluke Sultan of Egypt. The combined efforts of Egyptian and Gujarat forces defeated the Portuguese, leading Almeida to adopt a 'Blue Water Policy' to assert dominance over the Indian Ocean.
The history of Portuguese India illustrates the complex interplay of trade, power, and conflict that shaped colonial relations in the early modern period. From the decline of Roman Empire and Arab dominance to the rise of the Portuguese and the subsequent conflicts, this era remains a pivotal chapter in Indian and world history.