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Rise Of Portuguese in India: Arrival, Rise, Expansion, Impact And More For UPSC!

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The arrival of Vasco da Gama marked the Rise Of Portuguese in India. The Portuguese presence in India lasted for over 400 years and left a lasting impact on Indian society. The Portuguese introduced new technologies, architectural styles, and cooking techniques to India. However, their legacy in India is also marked by violence and exploitation. 

In this article, we will learn about the Rise Of Portuguese in India. This forms a significant part of the UPSC IAS exam. UPSC Prelims and UPSC Mains Paper I have many questions about this topic. It is also an important topic for UPSC History Optional and essential for the UGC NET History exam. Every year over 5-7 questions on political history are in the question paper.

The Arrival Of Portuguese In India

The Rise Of Portuguese in India was a turning point in the country's history. In the late 15th century, Portugal was a leading naval power in Europe. The Portuguese were keen to establish trade links with India, which was then renowned for its wealth and luxury goods.

  • In 1497, Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese navigator, set sail from Lisbon with a small fleet of ships. His mission was to find a sea route to India. After a long and arduous journey, Vasco da Gama finally reached Calicut (now Kozhikode) on the southwest coast of India in May 1498. 
  • The arrival of the Portuguese was met with mixed reactions from the local population. Some Indian rulers saw the Portuguese as potential allies, while others viewed them as a threat. Vasco da Gama quickly realised that the only way to establish a foothold in India was through force. Thus began the Rise Of Portuguese in India.
  • In 1502, the Portuguese launched a military expedition against Calicut, which resulted in the burning of the city and the destruction of the local fleet. The Portuguese then established their first trading post in India at Cochin (now Kochi) in 1503. This marked the Rise Of Portuguese in India.
  • Over the next few decades, the Portuguese continued to expand their presence in India. They established trading posts along the west coast of India, including Goa, which became the capital of Portuguese India. The Portuguese also made several attempts to establish a foothold on the east coast of India but were met with stiff resistance from local rulers.
  • The Rise Of Portuguese in India played a crucial role in the early days of European colonisation of India. The Rise Of Portuguese in India served as a reminder of the complex and interconnected nature of world history.

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Rise Of Portuguese Power In India

The Rise Of Portuguese in India was marked by violence, conquest, and trade. After establishing their first trading post in Cochin in 1503, the Portuguese began expanding their presence along the west coast of India.

  • Goa became the capital of Portuguese India in 1510 after a military campaign that resulted in the conquest of the city. The Portuguese then established a stronghold in Diu in 1535, which became an important centre of trade with the Ottoman Empire. This expansion led to the Rise Of Portuguese in India.
  • The Portuguese also made several attempts to establish a foothold on the east coast of India. They attacked the city of Daman in 1559 and later established a trading post in Hugli (now Hooghly) in Bengal.
  • Despite their initial success, the Portuguese were not able to maintain their dominance in India. The Dutch and the British arrived in India in the 17th century and quickly became the dominant powers. The decline of Portuguese power in India was marked by the loss of key trading posts and the weakening of Portuguese naval power.

Portuguese Impact

The Portuguese influence on Indian society was marked by a mix of positive and negative impacts. The arrival of the Portuguese in India in the 16th century marked the beginning of a new era of trade and cultural exchange between India and Europe.

  • The Portuguese left a lasting impact on Indian architecture. They introduced new styles of architecture, including the use of European-style facades and arches. Many churches and other buildings constructed during the Portuguese period still stand today.
  • The Portuguese also introduced new technologies to India. They brought the printing press to India, which helped spread knowledge and ideas. The Portuguese also introduced new weapons and military tactics to India, which had a significant impact on Indian warfare.
  • The Portuguese also had a significant impact on Indian cuisine. They introduced new ingredients, including chillies, which are now an integral part of Indian cuisine. The Portuguese also introduced new cooking techniques, including the use of vinegar and wine.
  • The Portuguese also left a lasting impact on the Indian language and literature. They introduced new words and phrases to the Indian vocabulary. They also translated Indian literature into Portuguese, which helped spread Indian culture and ideas to Europe.
  • The Portuguese also had a significant impact on Indian music. They introduced new musical instruments, including the violin, which became an integral part of Indian classical music. The Portuguese also introduced new musical styles, including the ballad, which became popular in India.
  • The Portuguese also played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in India. Portuguese missionaries arrived in India soon after the arrival of Vasco da Gama. They built churches and converted local people to Christianity.
  • The Portuguese also had a significant impact on Indian politics. They established a number of trading posts along the west coast of India, which helped them establish a monopoly over the spice trade. They also established a number of forts and strongholds, which gave them a strategic advantage in the region.
  • However, the Portuguese influence on Indian society was not all positive. The Portuguese were known for their brutal treatment of the Indian population. They imposed heavy taxes on Indian traders and forcibly converted local people to Christianity.
  • The Rise of Portuguese in India marked the beginning of a new era of trade and cultural exchange between India and Europe. While their influence on Indian society is complex, the Portuguese legacy in India remains an important chapter in world history.

Decline

The decline of Portuguese power in India was also marked by increased resistance from local rulers. The Mughal Emperor Akbar launched several attacks against Portuguese strongholds in India. The Maratha Empire, which emerged in the 17th century, also challenged Portuguese power in India. The decline of Portuguese power in India was further accelerated by their inability to adapt to changing economic conditions. The Portuguese monopoly over the spice trade was challenged by the Dutch and the British, who were able to offer better prices and more efficient trade routes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rise of the Portuguese in India was a significant chapter in world history. The Portuguese left a lasting impact on Indian society, introducing new technologies, architectural styles, cooking techniques, and musical instruments. However, their legacy in India is also marked by violence and exploitation. While their influence on Indian society is complex, the Portuguese legacy in India remains an important part of the country's history.

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Rise Of Portuguese In India FAQs

The Portuguese arrived in India in 1498, led by Vasco da Gama.

The Portuguese established a monopoly over the trade in spices.

The Portuguese introduced new architectural styles, including the use of European-style facades and arches.

The Portuguese introduced new ingredients and cooking techniques, including the use of chillies, vinegar, and wine.

The Portuguese introduced new musical instruments, including the violin, which became an integral part of Indian classical music
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