http://www.thehindu.com/books/books-reviews/religion-trade-and-the-sea/article4689813.ece
Excerpt from the link above: "Goa occupied an important place in the maritime history of that time and in a chapter "City in metaphor", almost 200 years of Goan history is told. Goa, originally known as Gopakapattanam, became the stronghold of Portuguese after the city was taken over by the latter from Bijapuris in 1510, and by 1520 became a major trading centre. To beat the Muslims and the Banias in trade, the Portuguese launched many innovative schemes luring the trader community. This brought about a process of urbanisation and building of the city opened more opportunities for trade. More political and religious mechanisms were used to augment the ability of Portuguese to use the space as a social base for perpetual control. This point is well brought out in this chapter and looks at the history of Goa in a fresh light." ~Avelino
