📌 Cartaz System (Portuguese Naval Pass System)
🕰️ Period of Use:
Early 1500s to late 1600s (introduced during the governorship of Francisco de Almeida)
✅ What is the Cartaz System?
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A naval pass/license system introduced by the Portuguese to control and monopolize maritime trade in the Indian Ocean.
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The word Cartaz is derived from the Portuguese word carta (meaning “document” or “letter”).
🛑 Key Features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 📝 Mandatory Pass | All non-Portuguese ships had to obtain a Cartaz (license) to sail in the Indian Ocean. |
| 💰 Fee-Based | Ships had to pay for the pass, providing revenue to the Portuguese. |
| 🚢 Details Required | Ship name, crew list, cargo list, destination — all had to be declared. |
| ⚔️ Enforced by Navy | Ships sailing without a Cartaz were considered illegal and were attacked, looted, or sunk. |
| ❌ Restriction on Ports | The system restricted trade to Portuguese-approved ports like Goa, Cochin, and Bassein. |
🎯 Purpose of the Cartaz System:
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📦 Monopolize Spice Trade – Exclude Arab, Indian, and other Asian traders.
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⚓ Assert Naval Dominance – Make Portuguese the masters of the Indian Ocean.
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💵 Generate Revenue – Through taxes and passes.
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🔗 Enforce Political Control – Over local rulers and merchants.
📉 Impact:
| Positive for Portuguese | Negative for Others |
|---|---|
| Revenue & naval control | Destroyed centuries-old Arab trade routes |
| Decline of rival ports (Calicut) | Angered local rulers like the Zamorin |
| Strengthened ports like Goa | Conflict with Egyptians, Ottomans, Gujaratis |
🧠 MCQ for Practice:
Q. What was the "Cartaz System" introduced by the Portuguese in the Indian Ocean trade?
A. A naval code of conduct
B. A maritime insurance policy
C. A pass system to control sea trade and navigation
D. A religious conversion campaign for seafarers
✅ Answer: C