Who laid the foundation of the Portuguese Empire in India?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Alfonso de Albuquerque
Explanation:
· Real Founder: While he was the second governor, Alfonso de Albuquerque is widely considered the "real founder" of the Portuguese Empire in India.
· Territorial Base: Unlike his predecessor who focused only on navy, Albuquerque established a territorial base by capturing Goa from the Sultan of Bijapur in 1510. He made Goa the center of Portuguese administration.
· Strategic Control: He established Portuguese domination over the entire Indian Ocean by fortifying strategic keys like Ormuz, Malacca, and Goa.
· Policy of Settlement: He encouraged Portuguese men to marry local Indian women to create a permanent population loyal to Portugal, a policy distinct to his administration.
Additional Information (Other Options):
· (d) Francisco de Almeida: He was the First Viceroy of Portuguese India (1505–1509). He is famous for the "Blue Water Policy", which aimed to control the sea routes and avoid building forts on land. He laid the administrative foundation but not the territorial empire.
· (b) Piri Reis: He was an Ottoman admiral and cartographer who fought against the Portuguese in the Indian Ocean.
· (a) Geoffrey Parker: He is a renowned historian known for his work on military history and the "Military Revolution," not a Portuguese explorer.
Information Booster:
· Cartaz System: The Portuguese enforced their naval supremacy using the "Cartaz" system, where any ship sailing in the Indian Ocean had to buy a pass (license) from the Portuguese or risk being confiscated.
· Introduction of Crops: The Portuguese introduced several crops to India, including tobacco, cashew nuts, pineapple, and papaya.