Goan Portuguese

The Portuguese invaded Goa under the leadership of Afonso de Albuquerque in 1510, fighting the ruling Sultanate of Bijapur. Portugal continued to rule over the smallest Indian state on the west coast for just over 450 years; while India gained its independence from Britain in 1947, Goa remained under Portuguese control until 1961.

The Portuguese brought many influences to the region that changed Goan food, culture, architecture and religion and much of that influence is still evident today. Before the Portuguese arrived in India, chillies, potatoes, tomatoes, pomegranates, papayas, custard apples, corn, pineapples, pumpkins, squash and cashew nuts were not known to the local population. Having already made inroads into South America, particularly Brazil, the Portuguese were able to bring their culinary discoveries to India. Being based in Goa gave the Portuguese a strategic vantage point along the coast of the Arabian Sea to oversee the lucrative Eastern spice trade, which had previously been dominated by Arab and Venetian merchants. Goan rule also allowed the Portuguese to spread Catholicism among the local population, who were largely Hindu at the time and subsequently forced to convert, flee the state or face execution. The impact of this can still be felt throughout Goa, where the majority of inhabitants are practising Catholics at the numerous churches and chapels across the state, embedding Portuguese influence in its social fabric.