Q. Consider the following statements about the Portuguese in India:
1.Francisco d’Almeida focused on building a strong navy instead of setting up more settlements.
2.Albuquerque captured Goa and encouraged Europeans to marry Indian women.
3.Portuguese power remained strong in India even after Portugal was taken over by Spain in 1580.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Quarterly-SFG-Jan-to-March
Red Book

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A
Notes:

Explanation:

  • Francisco d’Almeida, the first Viceroy, implemented the Blue Water Policy, which emphasized naval supremacy over land expansion.
  • Albuquerque captured Goa, encouraged European-Indian marriages, promoted multi-faith settlements, and extended Portuguese influence by capturing Malacca, Aden, and Ormuz.
  • Portuguese power in India declined in the late 16th century, especially after Portugal was annexed by Spain in 1580, and the Dutch began seizing Portuguese territories like Ceylon and forts on the Malabar Coast. The Portuguese started focusing more on Brazil than India.

Source: NCERT and History Of Medieval India  – NCERT (Satish Chandra)


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