One wonders if consolidating and seeking living space were without agreements signed with Mhal Pai and the rest.
Was it so easy to increase the Portuguese population in Tiswadi without these contracts? BC Consolidating and Seeking "Living Space" (Goa of 1543) Acquisition of these new districts was a marked contrast to the acquisition of Tiswadi; which was a completely devastated piece of real estate.?? Likely the Hindu population of these districts were delighted with the deal; and if Timoja was still living, his life's ambition and strategy was fulfilled.? The Hindus likely looked forward to: 1.? Acquiring land of the departing Muslims, who were a significant percentage of the population. 2.? No longer living under Muslim yoke; which they did intermittently for 150 years. 3.? End to the Jizya tax levied on non-Muslims. Unfortunately for the native Hindus, the Portuguese had other ideas! The whole reason for them to acquire these additional territories was to: 1. Better defend the Portuguese foothold in India. 2. Provide the Portuguese in Goa more living space. 3. In keeping with centuries-old tradition, use the land as compensation and source of employment for retiring and demobilized soldiers after their three years of duty. 4. Land for the Portuguese to be self-sufficient in food for their overseas colonies and territories.
