Cartaz System (Portuguese Naval Pass System) - UPSC Notes

📌 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? A naval pass/license system introduced by the Portuguese to control and monopolize maritime trade in the Indian Ocean. 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: 📦 Monopolize Spice Trade – Exclude Arab, Indian, and o…