See the text below. Mostly quotes Boxer. While the legacy of the Portuguese in Asia (specially in their early days) cannot be denied, some of such scholarship seems to have got caught in present-day intra-religious infighting in South Asia. Or so it seems. --FN
http://www.asiantribune.com/show_news.php?id=14881 Repression of Buddhism in Sri Lanka by Portuguese By Senaka Weeraratna Series No: 02 (Continuation) Methods employed for conversion and suppression of non –Christian religions The Portuguese used a number of methods in their pursuit to convert people to Christianity and suppress non – Christian religions prevailing in territories under their control. They can be distinguished as follows ... i) Carrot and Stick Policy ii) Enactment of harsh and oppressive laws ... iv) The Ruler and the Ruled must be of the same faith... v) Forcible conversion of orphans... vi) Gun-boat policy... vii) Exploiting Buddhist injunctions against taking away of animal life... Etc. --FN
