Who is considered the real founder of Portuguese power in India?

Key Fact(s)

Afonso de Albuquerque is regarded as the real founder of Portuguese power in India because he transformed Portuguese presence from a trading venture into a colonial empire. Unlike his predecessor Francisco de Almeida, who emphasized only naval dominance, Albuquerque focused on capturing strategic coastal territories.

He conquered Goa in 1510 AD, making it the capital of Portuguese India, and also captured Malacca and Hormuz, securing key trade routes. Albuquerque encouraged intermarriage between Portuguese and locals to establish permanent settlements. His policies laid the administrative, military, and economic foundations of Portuguese rule in India, justifying his title as its real founder.