The relationship between Portugal and India is one of the oldest and deepest in the history of European expeditions. This connection, formed after the great navigations of the 15th century, was marked by trade, war, cultural influence, and the lasting presence of the Portuguese in Indian territories.
Vasco da Gama and the Discovery of the Maritime Way
The story begins in 1498, when Vasco da Gama arrived in Calicut, on the west coast of India, opening up the sea route between Europe and the Indian subcontinent. This voyage was not only a milestone in the history of navigation, but also the beginning of a Portuguese presence that would last for more than four centuries.
The impact of the Portuguese arrival was immediate. Local merchants and rulers saw the Portuguese as both an opportunity and a threat. With an uncontrollable desire to control the lucrative spice trade, Portugal established trading posts and fortresses at strategic points such as Cochin, Goa, Daman and Diu.
The Portuguese also brought new weapons and warfare techniques, establishing alliances with local rulers and often getting involved in military conflicts that guaranteed them a dominant role in Indian trade.
The Formation of the Portuguese Indian State
With the conquest of Goa in 1510 by Afonso de Albuquerque, the Portuguese established a capital for their domains in the East. Goa was not just a trading post; it became the center of Portuguese influence in India and one of the most important cities in the empire. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Goa thrived as a center of cultural, economic and religious exchange, being nicknamed the “Rome of the East” due to its role as the base of the Christian mission in the region.
The Portuguese administration in India was characterized by a mixture of Western and Eastern traditions. The presence of Jesuit missionaries led to the conversion of many local communities to Christianity, and monumental churches were erected to symbolize the new faith.
However, the Portuguese government implemented authoritarian policies and a regime strongly linked to the Inquisition, which persecuted those who resisted evangelization, leading to internal conflicts and local resistance.
Trade and Cultural Influence
Trade between Portugal and India was not limited to spices. Over the centuries, there was an intense exchange of products, customs and languages. Indian cuisine had a profound influence on Portuguese gastronomy, resulting in the introduction of ingredients such as piri-piri (chilli peppers), cashews and coconut into Lusitanian cuisine. Curry itself became an adopted spice in Portugal, which shaped traditional dishes that have survived to the present day.
On the other hand, Portugal brought its architectural style to India, which can still be seen in churches and colonial buildings in Goa and other regions. Sacred art, tiles and the organization of cities show this fusion of influences. Even the Portuguese language left its mark, with Portuguese words incorporated into Concani and other local languages.
The Decline of Portuguese Rule
From the 18th century onwards, Portuguese power in India began to decline. The growth of the British and Dutch empires in the Indian subcontinent reduced Portugal’s influence. Although Goa remained under Portuguese rule until 1961, its strategic and economic importance diminished over the centuries.
Resistance to Portuguese rule grew in the post-war decades, and in December 1961, India launched a military operation to annex Goa, Daman and Diu. The Portuguese government of the time, under Salazar, refused to recognize Indian sovereignty over these territories, but in practice, the chapter of the Portuguese empire in India was closed.
Spotting History in India and Portugal
The Portuguese heritage in India is still visible and vibrant, especially in Goa. Churches such as the Bom Jesus Basilica and the Goa Cathedral bear witness to colonial architecture, while local festivals and traditions still bear traces of Portuguese culture.
In Portugal, the presence of India is also evident. The Museu do Oriente in Lisbon has a vast collection of objects linked to the Portuguese presence in India. Lisbon’s Martim Moniz neighborhood, meanwhile, reflects the cultural diversity brought by Indian migrants, with restaurants and stores that mix the two worlds.
The Continuing Legacy
Even after the end of colonial rule, the relationship between Portugal and India remains strong. The bond between Portuguese-Indian communities, trade and cultural influence remain integral parts of this shared history. Gastronomy, music, religion, and even language show that, despite the distance and political changes, Portugal and India remain intertwined.
Final Thoughts
The history between Portugal and India demonstrates the human capacity to explore, conquer, adapt, and transform. From the time of Vasco da Gama to the present day, this relationship has been a path of back and forth, of constant exchanges, and a legacy that has stood the test of time.
