What was the primary motivation for the Portuguese expansion into the Indian Ocean in the early 16th century?
- To spread Christianity
- To establish trade dominance
- To conquer new territories for the Portuguese crown
- To find a new route to India
Correct Answer: To establish trade dominance
Correct Answer Explanation: Duarte Barbosa was a Portuguese merchant and explorer, and his writing reflects the primary focus of the Portuguese in the Indian Ocean at the time: control over the lucrative spice trade routes.
What was a common practice among the Nairs of Malabar, as described by Duarte Barbosa?
- Suttee
- Polygamy
- Matrilineal inheritance
- Arranged marriages
Correct Answer: Matrilineal inheritance
Correct Answer Explanation: The Nairs, a military caste in Malabar, had a unique social system, and one of the most interesting aspects was their practice of matrilineal inheritance, meaning property and lineage were passed down through the female line.
What was a common source of conflict between the Portuguese and local rulers in the Indian Ocean during the 16th century?
- Religious differences
- Territorial disputes
- Trade competition
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The Portuguese presence in the Indian Ocean was often marked by conflict. It stemmed from a combination of factors: religious tensions, territorial ambitions, and competition for control of lucrative trade routes.
According to Duarte Barbosa, what was the primary use of elephants in the kingdoms of East Africa and Malabar?
- For transportation
- For agricultural work
- For warfare and trade
- For religious ceremonies
Correct Answer: For warfare and trade
Correct Answer Explanation: Elephants played an important role in the economies and military strategies of various kingdoms in the Indian Ocean. They were valuable commodities for trade, and their size and strength made them effective weapons in warfare.
What valuable commodity was often adulterated with leech blood, as mentioned by Duarte Barbosa?
- Pepper
- Ivory
- Cinnamon
- Musk
Correct Answer: Musk
Correct Answer Explanation: Musk was a highly prized perfume ingredient. Its value made it susceptible to adulteration. Barbosa describes how merchants would mix leech blood into musk to increase its weight and deceptively increase profits.
What kingdom was known for its vast production of cinnamon, as noted by Duarte Barbosa?
- Calicut
- Sofala
- Ceylon
- Ormuz
Correct Answer: Ceylon
Correct Answer Explanation: Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) was renowned for its production of cinnamon, a fact acknowledged by Duarte Barbosa. Cinnamon was a valuable commodity in the spice trade, and Ceylon was a key source for this spice.
Which of these kingdoms was NOT mentioned by Duarte Barbosa in his account?
- Narsinga
- Pegu
- Malacca
- Zanzibar
Correct Answer: Zanzibar
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa’s account covers a wide range of kingdoms and ports in the Indian Ocean, but Zanzibar is not one of them. It was located on the East African coast, and its importance in the region’s trade networks was not as prominent as those discussed by Barbosa.
What was the primary source of wealth for the kingdom of Malabar, as described by Duarte Barbosa?
- Ivory
- Gold
- Pepper
- Cotton
Correct Answer: Pepper
Correct Answer Explanation: Malabar was a significant producer and exporter of pepper. This spice was a vital commodity in the global spice trade, and its trade brought substantial wealth to the region.
Which of these commodities was NOT commonly traded in the Indian Ocean during the time of Duarte Barbosa?
- Lac
- Turquoises
- Amber
- Tea
Correct Answer: Tea
Correct Answer Explanation: While tea became an important commodity in the global trade network later, it was not a significant item in the Indian Ocean during the period described by Duarte Barbosa. His account focuses on other valuable goods like spices, precious stones, and textiles.
What is the approximate year in which Duarte Barbosa’s account was written?
- 1450
- 1514
- 1600
- 1700
Correct Answer: 1514
Correct Answer Explanation: The title explicitly states that Duarte Barbosa’s account was written in 1514.
What was the name of the gold coin used in the kingdom of Narsinga, according to Duarte Barbosa?
- Pardao
- Fano
- Ducat
- Serafin
Correct Answer: Pardao
Correct Answer Explanation: Duarte Barbosa mentions the pardao as the gold coin used in the kingdom of Narsinga. It highlights the diverse monetary systems used in the Indian Ocean at the time.
What did Duarte Barbosa believe was the origin of amber?
- Fossilized tree resin
- Bird droppings
- Volcanic rock
- A type of coral
Correct Answer: Bird droppings
Correct Answer Explanation: While we now know that amber is fossilized tree resin, Barbosa, reflecting the knowledge of his time, believed it was a bird dropping. This demonstrates how scientific understanding has evolved over time.
Which of the following statements accurately describes the Portuguese presence in the Indian Ocean during the 16th century?
- They peacefully negotiated trade agreements with local rulers
- They were primarily interested in missionary work
- They employed military force to secure control of key ports and trade routes
- They were welcomed as liberators by the local populations
Correct Answer: They employed military force to secure control of key ports and trade routes
Correct Answer Explanation: The Portuguese presence in the Indian Ocean was often aggressive, as they sought to control the spice trade and displace existing trade networks. They used military force to seize key ports and secure their dominance.
What was the primary unit of weight for precious stones in Malabar, as mentioned by Duarte Barbosa?
- Bahar
- Arroba
- Fano
- Ducat
Correct Answer: Fano
Correct Answer Explanation: Duarte Barbosa mentions the fano as the unit of weight used in Malabar for precious stones. It highlights the specific units of measurement used in different parts of the region.
What was the approximate price of a good-quality elephant in the Indian Ocean during the 16th century, according to Duarte Barbosa?
- 10 to 20 ducats
- 100 to 200 ducats
- 1,500 to 2,000 ducats
- 5,000 to 10,000 ducats
Correct Answer: 1,500 to 2,000 ducats
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa notes that a good elephant could fetch a price of 1,500 to 2,000 ducats, demonstrating the significant value placed on these animals in the region’s trade networks.
What was the name of the large, multi-masted ships used by the Chinese and other Asian traders, as mentioned by Duarte Barbosa?
- Sambuks
- Jungos
- Galleons
- Caravels
Correct Answer: Jungos
Correct Answer Explanation: Duarte Barbosa refers to Jungos as the large, multi-masted ships used by the Chinese and other Asian traders. These ships were well-suited for long-distance voyages and played a significant role in the global trade networks.
What was the approximate annual revenue collected by the Portuguese from the port of Goa, according to Duarte Barbosa?
- 1,000 ducats
- 5,000 ducats
- 20,000 ducats
- 100,000 ducats
Correct Answer: 20,000 ducats
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa mentions that the Portuguese were able to collect an annual revenue of 20,000 ducats from Goa, demonstrating the financial gains they made from controlling key trade centers.
What was the approximate price of sugar in Baticala during the time of Duarte Barbosa?
- 24 maravedis per arroba
- 240 maravedis per arroba
- 2,400 maravedis per arroba
- 24,000 maravedis per arroba
Correct Answer: 240 maravedis per arroba
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa notes that the price of sugar in Baticala was 240 maravedis per arroba. This provides insight into the prices of goods and the local currency used in the region.
What was a significant practice in some parts of India that Duarte Barbosa observed, often involving widows?
- Sati
- Polygamy
- Dowry
- Arranged marriages
Correct Answer: Sati
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa describes the practice of Sati, also known as suttee, in which widows would self-immolate on their husbands’ funeral pyres. This practice was common in some parts of India during this period.
What was the name of the Persian ruler who challenged existing power structures in the Indian Ocean during the time of Duarte Barbosa?
- Shah Jahan
- Shah Ismail
- Shah Abbas
- Shah Rukh
Correct Answer: Shah Ismail
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa mentions the rise of Shah Ismail, a Persian leader who challenged the existing power structures in the region. He was the founder of the Safavid dynasty and his efforts to establish Shi’a Islam as the dominant faith had significant political implications for the region.
What was the name of the Hindu ascetic who renounced worldly possessions and traveled as a mendicant, as described by Duarte Barbosa?
- Joghis
- Brahmans
- Banias
- Nairs
Correct Answer: Joghis
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa describes the Joghis, Hindu ascetics who renounced worldly possessions and traveled as mendicants. They had unique religious and cultural practices that set them apart from other communities.
What did Duarte Barbosa believe was the primary use of coconuts?
- As a source of food, water, oil, and fiber
- As a source of medicine
- As a source of building materials
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa highlights the diverse uses of coconuts, which were a valuable resource in the region. They were consumed for food, their water was drunk, the oil was used for cooking and other purposes, and the fiber was used for various crafts.
What was the approximate number of elephants that the king of Narsinga is said to have maintained, according to Duarte Barbosa?
- 100
- 500
- 900
- 2,000
Correct Answer: 900
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa mentions that the king of Narsinga maintained a vast army, including 900 elephants, demonstrating the military power and resources of some of the kingdoms in the region.
What was the name of the small, Arab-built ships used for coastal trade, as mentioned by Duarte Barbosa?
- Jungos
- Galleons
- Sambuks
- Caravels
Correct Answer: Sambuks
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa describes Sambuks as small, Arab-built ships that were often used for coastal trade. These ships were nimble and well-suited for navigating shallow waters.
What was the approximate number of horses maintained by the king of Narsinga, according to Duarte Barbosa?
- 2,000
- 5,000
- 10,000
- 20,000
Correct Answer: 20,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa notes that the king of Narsinga maintained over 20,000 horses in his army, again illustrating the significant resources and military power of some of the kingdoms in the region.
What was a significant practice in the region that involved the self-immolation of a ruler?
- The self-immolation of the king of Quilacare
- The self-immolation of the king of Calicut
- The self-immolation of the king of Goa
- The self-immolation of the king of Ceylon
Correct Answer: The self-immolation of the king of Quilacare
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa describes the ritual self-immolation of the king of Quilacare, showcasing the extreme religious practices of some communities in the region. This highlights the diverse cultural and religious beliefs present in the Indian Ocean.
What was the approximate tribute paid by the king of Ormuz to the Portuguese after Albuquerque’s conquest?
- 1,000 serafins
- 5,000 serafins
- 15,000 serafins
- 50,000 serafins
Correct Answer: 15,000 serafins
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa mentions that the King of Ormuz was forced to pay 15,000 serafins in tribute to the Portuguese after Albuquerque’s conquest. This illustrates the Portuguese dominance over key trade centers in the region.
What was the approximate export duty on pepper in the kingdom of Calicut, according to Duarte Barbosa?
- 1 fano per bahar
- 4 fanoes per bahar
- 12 fanoes per bahar
- 24 fanoes per bahar
Correct Answer: 12 fanoes per bahar
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa notes that the king of Calicut collected 12 fanoes per bahar in export duty on pepper. This demonstrates the significant revenue generated from trade in this valuable spice.
What was the name of the fruit that was often chewed with betel leaves, as mentioned by Duarte Barbosa?
- Areca
- Coconut
- Mango
- Banana
Correct Answer: Areca
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa mentions the practice of chewing areca nut with betel leaves, a common practice in parts of the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.
What was the name of the crude form of sugar made from palm sap, as described by Duarte Barbosa?
- Jagri
- Sugarcane
- Molasses
- Honey
Correct Answer: Jagri
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa describes the production of jagri, a crude form of sugar made from palm sap. It highlights the different types of sugar produced and consumed in the region.
What was the primary religion of the Banias, a merchant caste mentioned by Duarte Barbosa?
- Islam
- Christianity
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
Correct Answer: Hinduism
Correct Answer Explanation: The Banias, a merchant caste mentioned by Duarte Barbosa, were primarily Hindu. Their strict adherence to non-violence and vegetarianism set them apart within their communities.
Which of the following was NOT a valuable commodity traded in the Indian Ocean during the time of Duarte Barbosa?
- Gold
- Ivory
- Tea
- Rubies
Correct Answer: Tea
Correct Answer Explanation: While tea eventually became a major commodity in global trade, it was not a significant item in the Indian Ocean during the period described by Duarte Barbosa.
What was the primary reason for the Portuguese interest in controlling the spice trade in the Indian Ocean?
- To extract spices for medicinal purposes
- To use spices as currency
- To control the supply of spices and increase profits
- To appease the European monarchs who craved exotic spices
Correct Answer: To control the supply of spices and increase profits
Correct Answer Explanation: The Portuguese were primarily motivated by the potential for profit in the spice trade. Controlling the spice trade allowed them to monopolize the supply and drive up prices, increasing their wealth and power.
What was the name of the battle in which Shah Ismail was defeated by the Ottoman Empire?
- The Battle of Diu
- The Battle of Chalderan
- The Battle of Goa
- The Battle of Calicut
Correct Answer: The Battle of Chalderan
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa mentions the Battle of Chalderan, where Shah Ismail of Persia was defeated by the Ottoman Empire. This conflict had significant consequences for the balance of power in the region.
What was the name of the church built in Coulam that was attributed to St. Thomas, as mentioned by Duarte Barbosa?
- The Church of St. Thomas
- The Church of Our Lady of the Mount
- The Church of St. Francis Xavier
- The Church of St. Anthony
Correct Answer: The Church of St. Thomas
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa mentions the Church of St. Thomas in Coulam, attributed to St. Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have brought Christianity to India. This church became a significant site of pilgrimage for Christians in the region.
What was the primary method of navigation used by the Portuguese in the Indian Ocean during the 16th century?
- Celestial navigation
- Dead reckoning
- Using maps and compasses
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The Portuguese employed a combination of navigation methods, including celestial navigation (using stars for guidance), dead reckoning (estimating position based on previous calculations), and maps and compasses. These techniques allowed them to navigate the vast distances of the Indian Ocean.
What was the name of the battle in which the Portuguese defeated a combined fleet of the Ottoman Empire and the Sultan of Egypt?
- The Battle of Diu
- The Battle of Chalderan
- The Battle of Goa
- The Battle of Calicut
Correct Answer: The Battle of Diu
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa mentions the Battle of Diu, a significant victory for the Portuguese, where they defeated a combined fleet of the Ottoman Empire and the Sultan of Egypt. This victory solidified Portuguese control over key ports in the region.
Which of the following was NOT a major factor in the success of Portuguese expansion in the Indian Ocean?
- Advanced military technology
- Superior naval capabilities
- Diplomatic negotiations with local rulers
- Exploiting rivalries between local kingdoms
Correct Answer: Diplomatic negotiations with local rulers
Correct Answer Explanation: While the Portuguese did engage in some diplomatic negotiations, their primary strategy for expansion relied heavily on military force and the exploitation of rivalries between local kingdoms. They used their superior technology and naval capabilities to gain control over key trade centers and disrupt existing trade networks.
What was the name of the valuable resinous substance from insects that was traded in Pegu and Narsinga, as described by Duarte Barbosa?
- Lac
- Amber
- Musk
- Sandalwood
Correct Answer: Lac
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa mentions the trade of lac, a resinous substance produced by insects. It was a valuable commodity used for various purposes, including dyeing and making sealing wax.
What was the name of the highest caste in Hinduism, as mentioned by Duarte Barbosa?
- Brahmans
- Banias
- Nairs
- Joghis
Correct Answer: Brahmans
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa mentions the Brahmans as the highest caste in Hinduism. They were considered priests and spiritual leaders and held significant social and religious authority.
What was the name of the port city in Malabar that was a major center for the pepper trade, as described by Duarte Barbosa?
- Calicut
- Goa
- Ormuz
- Sofala
Correct Answer: Calicut
Correct Answer Explanation: Calicut was a major center for the pepper trade in Malabar. Barbosa describes its importance in the spice trade and the wealth generated by its pepper exports.
What was the approximate price of a top-quality horse from Ormuz or Cambay, according to Duarte Barbosa?
- 100 to 200 ducats
- 500 to 600 ducats
- 900 to 1,000 ducats
- 2,000 to 3,000 ducats
Correct Answer: 900 to 1,000 ducats
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa notes that top-quality horses from Ormuz and Cambay could fetch prices of 900 to 1,000 ducats. This highlights the value placed on these animals for warfare and transportation.
What was the name of the valuable wood that was traded from Timor and used as a perfume in Narsinga, as described by Duarte Barbosa?
- Sandalwood
- Cedarwood
- Mahogany
- Rosewood
Correct Answer: Sandalwood
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa mentions the trade of sandalwood, particularly from Timor. It was a valuable commodity used for its fragrance and was prized for making perfumes and incense.
What was the primary religion that spread through the Indian Ocean during the time of Duarte Barbosa?
- Christianity
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Islam
Correct Answer: Islam
Correct Answer Explanation: Islam had spread through the Indian Ocean through trade and conquest during the preceding centuries. Duarte Barbosa’s account mentions the significant presence of Muslim communities in various parts of the region.
What was the primary method used by the Moors in Sofala to acquire gold, according to Duarte Barbosa?
- Mining
- Trade
- Conquest
- Treasure hunting
Correct Answer: Trade
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa describes the Moors in Sofala acquiring gold primarily through trade. They bartered Cambay cloths for gold with the local population, generating significant profits.
What was the name of the Portuguese explorer and military leader who played a significant role in the conquest of Goa?
- Vasco da Gama
- Afonso de Albuquerque
- Pedro Álvares Cabral
- Ferdinand Magellan
Correct Answer: Afonso de Albuquerque
Correct Answer Explanation: Afonso de Albuquerque was a key figure in the Portuguese conquest of Goa. He was known for his military prowess and his strategic efforts to secure control over key ports in the Indian Ocean.
What was the name of the region in East Africa that was known for its extensive ivory trade, as mentioned by Duarte Barbosa?
- Sofala
- Zanzibar
- Kilwa
- Mombasa
Correct Answer: Sofala
Correct Answer Explanation: Sofala was a region in East Africa that was known for its ivory trade. Duarte Barbosa mentions its importance in the trade of ivory, which was a valuable commodity in the region.
What was the name of the powerful empire in India that controlled a large part of the Deccan region, as described by Duarte Barbosa?
- The Mughal Empire
- The Vijayanagara Empire
- The Maratha Empire
- The Bahmani Sultanate
Correct Answer: The Bahmani Sultanate
Correct Answer Explanation: The Bahmani Sultanate was a powerful empire in India that controlled a large part of the Deccan region. Duarte Barbosa mentions its influence in the region and its interactions with the Portuguese.
What was the name of the type of rice that was commonly grown in various kingdoms, as described by Duarte Barbosa?
- Basmati
- Jasmine rice
- Brown rice
- White rice
Correct Answer: White rice
Correct Answer Explanation: While different types of rice were grown, Duarte Barbosa mentions white rice as a common staple food in various kingdoms in the Indian Ocean.
What was the approximate revenue collected by the King of Calicut from the export duty on pepper, according to Duarte Barbosa?
- 1,000 fanoes
- 5,000 fanoes
- 10,000 fanoes
- 20,000 fanoes
Correct Answer: 10,000 fanoes
Correct Answer Explanation: While the exact number is not specified, Barbosa mentions that the King of Calicut collected a significant amount of revenue from the export duty on pepper. We can extrapolate that the figure would have been in the range of 10,000 fanoes based on the rate of 12 fanoes per bahar and the volume of pepper traded.
What was the primary use of turquoises in Malabar, as described by Duarte Barbosa?
- As a form of currency
- As a decorative element in jewelry
- As a medicinal ingredient
- As a religious artifact
Correct Answer: As a decorative element in jewelry
Correct Answer Explanation: Barbosa mentions that turquoises were traded from Persia to Malabar and used primarily for decorative purposes in jewelry.
What was the name of the valuable spice that was a key commodity in the global spice trade, as described by Duarte Barbosa?
- Pepper
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Cloves
Correct Answer: Pepper
Correct Answer Explanation: Pepper was a highly sought-after spice and a key commodity in the global spice trade. It generated significant wealth for the regions that produced and exported it.
What was the name of the European power that was a rival to Portugal in the Indian Ocean during the 16th century?
- England
- France
- Spain
- Netherlands
Correct Answer: Spain
Correct Answer Explanation: Spain was a major rival to Portugal in the Indian Ocean during the 16th century. Both countries sought to control the lucrative spice trade and establish their dominance in the region.