Q. With reference to Alfonso de Albuquerque, who succeeded Almeida as Governor, consider the following statements:
1.He is widely regarded as the real founder of the Portuguese power in the East, having captured Goa from the Sultan of Bijapur in 1510, making it the first European sovereign possession in India.
2.He systematically enforced the Cartaz (naval pass) system, making it a major source of revenue and a tool for asserting Portuguese maritime control in the Indian Ocean.
3.His social policy included the attempt to blend with the local populace by encouraging Portuguese men to marry Indian women, while simultaneously persecuting Muslims during the conquest of Goa.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: D
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct. The capture of Goa and Malacca established Albuquerque’s reputation and gave the Portuguese a permanent territorial base and capital, marking a shift from Almeida’s pure sea-power policy.
- Statement 2 is correct. While Almeida proposed the concept, Albuquerque expanded and institutionalised the Cartaz system for all non-Portuguese ships, forcing them to pay duty and obtain a license.
- Statement 3 is correct. Albuquerque promoted inter-marriage to secure a permanent population base loyal to Portugal, while his actions against Muslims in Goa were often brutal, showing a blend of pragmatic and religiously motivated policies.
