Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The arrival of the Portuguese in the Indian Ocean in the early 16th century marked a significant turning point in the history of maritime trade. Vasco da Gama’s voyage in 1498 opened a direct sea route to India, challenging the existing Arab and Venetian dominance. To secure their commercial interests and establish control over the lucrative spice trade, the Portuguese implemented a unique system known as the ‘Cartaz’ system. This system wasn’t merely about naval power; it was a carefully crafted blend of diplomacy, coercion, and commercial regulation designed to monopolize trade routes and extract wealth from the Indian Ocean world.
The Context: Portuguese Arrival and Initial Challenges
Initially, the Portuguese faced resistance from established Arab merchants and local rulers who controlled key trading ports. Their small fleet and limited resources meant they couldn’t simply conquer and occupy vast territories. Therefore, they adopted a strategy of controlling trade rather than territory, and the Cartaz system was central to this approach.
What was the Cartaz System?
The Cartaz system (from the Arabic ‘qartas’ meaning letter or permit) was essentially a licensing system for ships trading in the Indian Ocean. Ships wishing to trade in waters under Portuguese control were required to obtain a ‘Cartaz’ – a permit issued by Portuguese authorities, typically at fortified trading posts like Goa, Cochin, and Malacca.
Mechanics of the Cartaz System
- Issuance of Cartazes: Portuguese officials issued Cartazes after receiving payment, usually in cash or valuable goods. The fee varied depending on the size of the ship, its cargo, and the destination.
- Protection Guarantee: The Cartaz guaranteed protection from Portuguese attacks and piracy within designated areas. Ships displaying a valid Cartaz were considered under Portuguese protection.
- Enforcement: The Portuguese navy actively patrolled the Indian Ocean, intercepting ships without Cartazes. These vessels were often seized, their cargo confiscated, or subjected to heavy fines.
- Diplomatic Tool: The Cartaz system was also used as a diplomatic tool. Issuing Cartazes to friendly rulers solidified alliances and encouraged their cooperation.
Impact and Consequences
The Cartaz system had a profound impact on the Indian Ocean trade network:
- Portuguese Monopoly: It allowed the Portuguese to control the flow of goods, particularly the spice trade, and extract significant profits.
- Revenue Generation: The fees collected from Cartazes became a major source of revenue for the Portuguese crown.
- Disruption of Existing Trade: The system disrupted existing trade routes and networks, forcing merchants to deal with the Portuguese on their terms.
- Local Resistance: The Cartaz system faced resistance from local rulers and merchants who resented Portuguese interference. Alliances were formed, such as the one between the Zamorin of Calicut and the Arabs, to challenge Portuguese dominance.
- Rise of Smuggling: The high cost of Cartazes encouraged smuggling, leading to conflicts between the Portuguese and those involved in illicit trade.
Limitations and Decline
Despite its initial success, the Cartaz system had limitations. The vastness of the Indian Ocean made it difficult to enforce effectively. Furthermore, the rise of rival European powers like the Dutch and English, who challenged Portuguese control, gradually eroded the system’s effectiveness. By the 17th century, the Cartaz system was largely superseded by the growing power of these new competitors.
Conclusion
The Cartaz system was a remarkably innovative strategy employed by the Portuguese to establish and maintain control over the Indian Ocean trade. It combined elements of commercial regulation, naval power, and diplomacy to create a system that initially secured a Portuguese monopoly. While effective for a period, the system’s inherent limitations and the emergence of rival European powers ultimately led to its decline, marking a shift in the balance of power in the Indian Ocean.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.