Portuguese in India — Landmark Events

Landmark Events

Vasco da Gama's Arrival in Calicut

1498

This event marked the opening of the direct sea route from Europe to India via the Cape of Good Hope, fundamentally altering global trade routes and initiating the era of European…

Conquest of Goa by Afonso de Albuquerque

1510

Albuquerque's capture of Goa from the Sultan of Bijapur was a strategic masterpiece that transformed Portuguese presence from mere trading posts into a territorial base. Goa…

Establishment of the Goa Inquisition

1560

The arrival of the Inquisition in Goa marked a severe escalation of Portuguese religious policy, transitioning from missionary zeal to coercive enforcement of Catholic orthodoxy.…

Loss of Hugli to the Mughals

1632

The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's siege and capture of the Portuguese trading post at Hugli was a significant setback, demonstrating the limits of Portuguese power against a strong…

Maratha Capture of Bassein

1739

The Maratha victory over the Portuguese at Bassein (Vasai) was a decisive blow that severely curtailed Portuguese territorial holdings and influence on the western coast. The…

Operation Vijay and Liberation of Goa, Daman, and Diu

1961

This military operation by the Indian Armed Forces brought an end to 451 years of Portuguese colonial rule in India. After prolonged diplomatic efforts failed, India took military…