History of India
- Introduction to Ancient India
- The Mauryan Empire
- Post-Mauryan India and the Golden Age
- Early Medieval India
- The Delhi Sultanate
- The Mughal Empire - Part I
- The Mughal Empire - Part II
- The Advent of European Powers
- The British Raj - Part I
- The British Raj - Part II
- Independence & Partition
The Advent of European Powers
The Portuguese in India
Portuguese colonies in South Asia (1505–1961).
The history of European colonialism in India begins with the arrival of the Portuguese. In 1498, Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, landed in Calicut on the southwestern coast of India. This marked the beginning of the Portuguese era in India, which lasted for about 150 years.
Vasco da Gama's journey was significant as it established a direct sea route from Europe to India, bypassing the traditional land routes controlled by the Ottomans. This opened up new opportunities for trade, particularly in spices, which were highly valued in Europe.
Following da Gama's successful voyage, the Portuguese quickly established trading posts along the western coast of India, in places such as Cochin, Goa, and Daman and Diu. These trading posts were fortified and defended by Portuguese soldiers, effectively making them Portuguese colonies.
The Portuguese influence extended beyond trade and politics. They brought with them their language, religion, and culture, which had a lasting impact on the regions they controlled. Many Indians converted to Christianity during this period, and the Portuguese language influenced local languages, particularly Konkani in Goa.
However, the Portuguese power in India began to decline in the 17th century. They faced increasing competition from other European powers, particularly the Dutch and the English. The Portuguese were unable to defend their territories against these powerful rivals, and gradually lost most of their colonies. By the end of the 19th century, only Goa, Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli remained under Portuguese control.
The Portuguese rule in India officially ended in 1961, when the Indian army invaded and annexed Goa, Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. This marked the end of 450 years of Portuguese presence in India.
In conclusion, the Portuguese played a crucial role in the history of India. They were the first European power to establish a presence in India, and their influence can still be seen today, particularly in the regions they once controlled.