My research showed that from 1640 onwards there is a change in the policies of the crown. Traditional historiography have accentuated the emphasis on the increased weigh of Brazil within the Crown’s priorities, while the State of India enters a period of so-called decadence. Although this shift is clear, the correspondence between the kings and the viceroys shows that the viceroy of India was still the most prestigious office in the monarchy, the most lucrative one, and efforts were made to reinstate its former glory.
Considering the extension of the Portuguese empire, geographically speaking under analysis – the States of Brazil and India - and the multiplicity of societies with which it interacted between 1640 and 1750, I picked key-figures that could be representative for this period. Amongst the chosen profiles, I decided to pay particular attention to those who had occupied both offices in Brazil and India, Vasco de Mascarenhas, count of Óbidos, and Pedro Noronha de Albuquerque, marquis of Angeja.
The experience of the count of Óbidos and the marquis of Angeja shows the differences between the two territorial contexts. The local elites in Goa had a large tradition unlike in the American territory. In Brazil, the nobility was restricted to governors-general, having as such a very limited participation in the colonial society. Even the mercies and rewards given by the king were usually for military services in the North Africa and India. While this shaped an incipient nobility in Brazil, it made life harder for viceroys in India. Decades of tradition supported generations of noble families who considered the viceroy to be a primus inter pares. Negotiations were often hard, as the count of Óbidos had the opportunity to learn – and learning is a key aspect to take into account.
The autonomy to act was another important factor. The slow communications between Goa and Lisbon gave the viceroys a degree of independence in Salvador they could only dream of. In fact, the royal agents in Goa more than asking the king for suggestions, support or help in the decision making, they usually sent reports of concluded business. The correspondence often shows the king’s answers to arrive when matters were already resolved or the viceroy was no longer in office. This favored corruption and it created increased difficulties to the introduction of changes.
Another aspect to take into account is the relationship with the neighbors, the “reinos vizinhos”. The borders in the Americas were faintly defined lines, and Portuguese and Spanish people coexisted with their own interests at heart, rather than the Crown’s. However, in India the situation was quite different. The State of India shared its borders with powerful empires in expansion, such as the Mughal and the Ottoman ones.
As a result of my research, I have published 3 articles that discuss the issues here presented. Although it will be published after the end of the fellowship, thanks again to this funding opportunity, I am currently preparing a chapter of a book and a co-edited book for publication.
