Societas Portuguesis Indiae Orientalis

The Societas Portuguesis Indiae Orientalis, also known as the Portuguese Society of India, was a historical organization established by Portugal in the 16th century to manage and promote its trade, colonization, and religious activities in the Indian Ocean region. It functioned as a governing body overseeing Portuguese interests in India, including territorial administration, commercial ventures, and Catholic missionary efforts. The society played a key role in maintaining Portuguese influence in India until the decline of Portuguese power in the region. Its establishment reflects Portugal’s efforts to organize its overseas empire systematically during the Age of Discovery.