When was Portuguese East India Company formed?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a presence in India, starting with Vasco da Gama’s arrival in 1498. However, for centuries, their trade and administration were managed directly by the Portuguese Crown through the *Estado da Índia* (State of India). It wasn't until the 17th century, influenced by the successful Dutch and English models of joint-stock companies, that the Portuguese monarchy decided to formalize a similar venture. The Portuguese East India Company, formally known as the *Companhia do Commércio da Índia*, was founded in August **1628** by King Philip III of Portugal (Philip IV of Spain, as Portugal was under Spanish rule at the time). The company's primary goal was to secure and manage the Portuguese spice trade, which was being aggressively challenged and overtaken by rival European powers.

The incorrect option is 1: The year 1618 is too early for the formal establishment of the *Companhia do Commércio da Índia*. Although Portugal's trade was under pressure, the actual formation of the company occurred later, during a period of escalating rivalry with the Dutch and English.
The incorrect option is 3: The year 1638 is too late. By this time, the company had already been dissolved. The formal Portuguese East India Company only lasted for a very short period, from 1628 to 1633.
The incorrect option is 4: The year 1648 is significantly later than the company’s existence. By the mid-17th century, the Portuguese East India Company had long been defunct, having failed to raise sufficient capital to compete with its European rivals.