Q. With reference to Nino da Cunha (Governor, 1529-1538), consider the following statements:
1.He transferred the headquarters of the Portuguese government in India from Cochin to the more strategically located Goa.
2.He acquired the island of Bassein and the strategically vital port of Diu through treaties with Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat.
3.He secured a strong foothold in Eastern India by expanding Portuguese influence in Bengal, establishing Hooghly as their main trading settlement in the region.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D
Notes:

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is correct. Nino da Cunha formally shifted the capital from Cochin to Goa in 1530, solidifying Goa’s importance as the centre of the Portuguese Estado da Índia.
  • Statement 2 is correct. Taking advantage of Bahadur Shah’s conflict with the Mughal Emperor Humayun, da Cunha negotiated a treaty to acquire Bassein in 1534 and then Diu in 1535.
  • Statement 3 is correct. Da Cunha was instrumental in expanding Portuguese presence into the eastern coast and Bengal, with Hooghly becoming the central point for their operations in that region.
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