How did Portugal consolidate its presence in the east, in the 16th century, through the Portuguese State of India?

When Vasco da Gama’s armada returned from India in 1499, the Portuguese learned that, to trade in the East, they would have to face competition from Muslims and distrust from Hindu leaders. In King D. Manuel’s close circle, opinions were divided: some defended the concentration of efforts in North Africa; others were for the consolidation of trade with the East, if necessary by force. This was the thesis that prevailed and was the basis for the formation of the Portuguese State of India. Who were its main figures? And how was this structure formed, which, based on the possession of strategic points, was the basis of the Portuguese presence in the East?

A relaxed dialogue around History, its greatest characters and events. ‘History repeats itself’ is not a class, but it aims to arouse curiosity about the past and build bridges with the present. Every week Henrique Monteiro and Lourenço Pereira Coutinho start from a point that can lead to many others… That’s what good conversations are like. Listen to other episodes here: