History of the Portuguese in Bengal

A classic in colonial and maritime history, History of the Portuguese in Bengal remains an essential resource for scholars, researchers, and history enthusiasts. J.J.A. Campos’ History of the Portuguese in Bengal is a pioneering study of the Portuguese presence in Bengal which offers a detailed account of their influence on trade, politics, and culture from the 16th century onward. First published in 1919, this study highlights how Portuguese traders, missionaries, and settlers established themselves in key locations such as Hooghly and Chittagong, played a decisive role in regional commerce, shipbuilding, and diplomacy. The study explores the interactions between the Portuguese and local rulers, as well as their involvement in religious conversions and the spread of Christianity. It also looks into conflicts, alliances, and the subsequent decline of Portuguese power in the region. Enriched with maps and illustrations, the book brings this interesting historical period to life that offers insights into the early European encounters in South Asia.