Synopses & Reviews
The Portuguese were the first European imperial power in Asia. Dr. Pearson's volume of the History is a clear account of their activities in India and the Indian Ocean from the sixteenth century onwards that is written squarely from an Indian point of view. Laying particular stress on social, economic, and religious interaction between Portuguese and Indians, the author argues that the Portuguese had a more limited impact on everyday life in India than is sometimes supposed. Their imperial effort was characterized more by reciprocity and interaction than by an unilateral imposition of Portuguese mores and political structures.
Synopsis
The Portuguese were the first European imperial power in Asia. Dr Pearsonâs volume of their history is a clear account of their activities in India and the Indian Ocean from the sixteenth century onwards written squarely from an Indian point of view. Laying particular stress on social, economic and religious interaction between Portuguese and Indians, the author argues that the Portuguese in fact had a more limited impact on everyday life in India than is sometimes supposed.
Table of Contents
General editorâs preface; Preface; Rulers of Portugal 1385 1910; Viceroys and governors of Portuguese India 1505 1961; Glossary; Maps; Introduction; 1. The Portuguese arrival in India; 2. The system in operation; 3. Evaluation of the official system; 4. Indo-Portuguese society; 5. Catholics and Hindus; 6. Decline and stagnation; 7. Toward reintegration; Bibliographical essay; Index.