Question 11 from UPSC CSE 2023 - Medieval History

Question

Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to the Portuguese?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Bahadur Shah

Strategy: Focus on Portuguese expansion and their establishment in western India during the early 16th century. The Portuguese sought a strategic base at Diu. Bahadur Shah's rule coincides with the period when the Portuguese negotiated and obtained Diu after military and diplomatic pressure. Other rulers are either earlier or later and do not fit this specific historical context.

Key Info: Diu, a significant port on the coast of Gujarat, gained prominence in the 16th century. The Portuguese sought a base on India's western coast for controlling trade routes and countering regional powers and the Ottoman threat.

Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat from 1526 to 1537, faced pressure from Mughal emperor Humayun. Following a defeat in battle, he entered into negotiations with Nuno da Cunha, the then Portuguese governor. By the Treaty of Bassein (1534), Bahadur Shah formally ceded the island of Diu to the Portuguese, allowing them to fortify and control it. The Portuguese transformed Diu into an important outpost, remaining there until 1961.

Notable figures and their roles:
*   **Nuno da Cunha**: Portuguese viceroy, instrumental in negotiations and military actions related to Diu.
*   **Ahmad Shah** (r. 1411-1443) and **Mahmud Begarha** (r. 1458-1511): Ruled in the 15th century, predating the arrival of the Portuguese in India at the end of the 15th century, and therefore had no dealings with them concerning Diu.
*   **Muhammad Shah**: Does not feature in this specific historical context.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Ahmad Shah

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Mahmud Begarha

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Muhammad Shah