Portuguese relations with local kingdoms in Karnataka: A case study of Sonda

Abstract

The Portuguese in Goa interacted with their neighbouring rulers in Karnataka to accomplish their objectives in Goa and the Estado da India. To develop a favourable political situation they followed several methods - colonial conquest, diplomacy, and peaceful alliance. Their equations of political relationship with the native rulers and chiefs were never static, rather changed depending upon the historical circumstances. Reflecting economic dimensions, there were continuous changes in the relations between the Portuguese, and the kings of Sonda and the other minor chieftains of coastal Karnataka. The wars and treaties between them were aimed at the realisation of political, economic and religious interests of the Portuguese. In the same way, the native rulers also tried their best to bargain with the Portuguese and meet their political and economic plans. The intervention of the Portuguese in Karnataka opened up new opportunities for international commercial ventures. Increased demand for agricultural products acted as an incentive to expand cultivation and hence the increased maritime trade facilitated the economic transformation of coastal Karnataka.