The Portuguese in the seas of Western India

Abstract

The strategic survey of the Western Indian Ocean unveiled the major and minor players in the Western Indian Ocean region: the English, Dutch, Omanis, Sidis, Angria, sea bandits and smugglers. Britain’s acquisition of bases and advances in the abolitionist campaign indicated a gradual progression in the demarcation and politicization of the sea space, as discussed by E. Mancke. While attempts were made in Portugal to reform the naval establishment (to which the overseas colonies were linked in jurisdictional powers) in terms of organization, unit types, etc., the changes were not always effected in the colonies as jurisdictional powers were being devolved in the colonies during periods of tumultuous developments. Other than a survey of skirmishes on the western coast of India, the chapter will also probe whether this sea region had become a potentially more violent place as the British established a more sustained presence there.