Page 1
The Advent of
Europeans in
India
Page 2
The Advent of
Europeans in
India
Introduction: The European
Arrival
1
Portuguese Pioneers
In the late 15th century, Portuguese navigator Vasco da
Gama arrived on the Indian subcontinent, initiating maritime
connections that heralded the beginning of European
influence in the region.
2
European Competition
This was followed by expeditions from other European
nations such as the Dutch, English, and French, which
heightened competition for trade supremacy and territorial
control.
3
Colonial Transformation
The creation of trading posts and colonies marked a
transformative phase in India's history, driven by global
interactions and culminating in the rise of British colonial
rule.
Page 3
The Advent of
Europeans in
India
Introduction: The European
Arrival
1
Portuguese Pioneers
In the late 15th century, Portuguese navigator Vasco da
Gama arrived on the Indian subcontinent, initiating maritime
connections that heralded the beginning of European
influence in the region.
2
European Competition
This was followed by expeditions from other European
nations such as the Dutch, English, and French, which
heightened competition for trade supremacy and territorial
control.
3
Colonial Transformation
The creation of trading posts and colonies marked a
transformative phase in India's history, driven by global
interactions and culminating in the rise of British colonial
rule.
The Advent of Europeans in India
Vasco da Gama's
Arrival
Portuguese explorer Vasco
da Gama's 1498 arrival
established the first direct
sea route between Europe
and India, initiating
European trade dominance.
European Competition
Other European powers
soon followed, competing for
the lucrative spice trade and
establishing coastal trading
posts throughout India.
Social Impact
European presence
facilitated cultural
exchanges, triggered
conflicts with local rulers,
and transformed Indian
society, beginning centuries
of colonial influence.
Page 4
The Advent of
Europeans in
India
Introduction: The European
Arrival
1
Portuguese Pioneers
In the late 15th century, Portuguese navigator Vasco da
Gama arrived on the Indian subcontinent, initiating maritime
connections that heralded the beginning of European
influence in the region.
2
European Competition
This was followed by expeditions from other European
nations such as the Dutch, English, and French, which
heightened competition for trade supremacy and territorial
control.
3
Colonial Transformation
The creation of trading posts and colonies marked a
transformative phase in India's history, driven by global
interactions and culminating in the rise of British colonial
rule.
The Advent of Europeans in India
Vasco da Gama's
Arrival
Portuguese explorer Vasco
da Gama's 1498 arrival
established the first direct
sea route between Europe
and India, initiating
European trade dominance.
European Competition
Other European powers
soon followed, competing for
the lucrative spice trade and
establishing coastal trading
posts throughout India.
Social Impact
European presence
facilitated cultural
exchanges, triggered
conflicts with local rulers,
and transformed Indian
society, beginning centuries
of colonial influence.
The Advent of The Portuguese
1
After Roman Empire
Following the decline of the Roman Empire and the fall of
Constantinople in 1453, Arabs established dominance in
Egypt and Persia, controlling trade routes to India and
limiting European access to Indian commodities.
2
Renaissance Spirit
The 15th century witnessed growing European eagerness
for adventurous sea voyages to the East, driven by
Renaissance spirit and advancements in shipbuilding and
navigation technology.
3
Treaty of Tordesillas
The Treaty of T ordesillas (1494) divided the non-Christian
world between Portugal and Spain, granting Portugal
eastern territories and Spain western territories, setting the
stage for Portuguese incursions into Indian waters.
Page 5
The Advent of
Europeans in
India
Introduction: The European
Arrival
1
Portuguese Pioneers
In the late 15th century, Portuguese navigator Vasco da
Gama arrived on the Indian subcontinent, initiating maritime
connections that heralded the beginning of European
influence in the region.
2
European Competition
This was followed by expeditions from other European
nations such as the Dutch, English, and French, which
heightened competition for trade supremacy and territorial
control.
3
Colonial Transformation
The creation of trading posts and colonies marked a
transformative phase in India's history, driven by global
interactions and culminating in the rise of British colonial
rule.
The Advent of Europeans in India
Vasco da Gama's
Arrival
Portuguese explorer Vasco
da Gama's 1498 arrival
established the first direct
sea route between Europe
and India, initiating
European trade dominance.
European Competition
Other European powers
soon followed, competing for
the lucrative spice trade and
establishing coastal trading
posts throughout India.
Social Impact
European presence
facilitated cultural
exchanges, triggered
conflicts with local rulers,
and transformed Indian
society, beginning centuries
of colonial influence.
The Advent of The Portuguese
1
After Roman Empire
Following the decline of the Roman Empire and the fall of
Constantinople in 1453, Arabs established dominance in
Egypt and Persia, controlling trade routes to India and
limiting European access to Indian commodities.
2
Renaissance Spirit
The 15th century witnessed growing European eagerness
for adventurous sea voyages to the East, driven by
Renaissance spirit and advancements in shipbuilding and
navigation technology.
3
Treaty of Tordesillas
The Treaty of T ordesillas (1494) divided the non-Christian
world between Portugal and Spain, granting Portugal
eastern territories and Spain western territories, setting the
stage for Portuguese incursions into Indian waters.
The Portuguese Governors
Vasco da Gama
Da Gama's 1498 arrival in
Calicut was welcomed by the
Zamorin but viewed with
suspicion by Arab traders. His
return in 1501 and attempts to
undermine Arab merchants
prompted resistance from the
Zamorin.
Francisco de Almeida
(1505-1509)
As Governor of India, Almeida
implemented the Blue Water
Policy (Cartaze system)
requiring naval trade licenses.
After an initial defeat near Diu,
he subsequently achieved
victory the following year.
Alfonso de Albuquerque
(1509-1515)
Albuquerque established
strategic Portuguese bases,
captured Goa in 1510, and
encouraged Portuguese
settlement in India. Under his
leadership, Portuguese
citizens became integrated
into Indian society as
landlords, artisans, and
traders.
Read More