The Portuguese first established themselves in India in 1500, when Vasco da Gama landed at Calicut on the Malabar Coast. He was sent by King Manuel I of Portugal to find a sea route to India, and he succeeded in doing so. Da Gama’s arrival marked the beginning of Portuguese rule in India, which lasted for over 400 years.
The Portuguese were initially welcomed by the Indian rulers, who were eager to trade with them. However, the Portuguese soon began to assert their dominance, and they soon came into conflict with the local rulers. The Portuguese also began to convert the local people to Christianity, which further alienated them from the Indian population.
In 1506, the Portuguese captured the city of Goa, which they made their capital in India. Goa remained under Portuguese rule until 1961, when it was finally liberated by the Indian government.
The Portuguese presence in India had a significant impact on the country. The Portuguese introduced new crops and technologies to India, and they also built many churches and forts. However, the Portuguese also exploited the Indian people, and they often treated them with cruelty.
The Portuguese legacy in India is still debated today. Some people argue that the Portuguese brought many benefits to India, while others argue that they were a destructive force. Ultimately, the Portuguese presence in India was a complex and multifaceted event, and its legacy is still being felt today.
Option A: 1501 is incorrect. The Portuguese first established themselves in India in 1500.
Option B: 1500 is correct. The Portuguese first established themselves in India in 1500.
Option C: 1503 is incorrect. The Portuguese first established themselves in India in 1500.
Option D: 1506 is incorrect. The Portuguese first established themselves in India in 1500.