Who laid the foundation of Portuguese power in India ?
(a) Vasco de Gama
(b)St Thomas
(c)Bartholomew Dias
(d)Alfonso -de-Albuquerque

Options

A. Vasco de Gama
B. St Thomas
C. Bartholomew Dias
D. Alfonso -de-Albuquerque

Answer

To solve the question of who laid the foundation of Portuguese power in India, we can analyze the options given:

1. **Vasco de Gama**: He was the first Portuguese explorer to arrive in India, landing in Calicut on May 20, 1498. While he played a crucial role in establishing trade routes, he did not lay the foundation of Portuguese power.

2. **St. Thomas**: He is a Christian apostle traditionally believed to have traveled to India. However, he is not associated with the establishment of Portuguese power in India.

3. **Bartholomew Dias**: He was another Portuguese explorer who sailed around the southern tip of Africa, but like Vasco de Gama, he did not establish Portuguese power in India.

4. **Alfonso de Albuquerque**: He was a key figure in the establishment of Portuguese colonial power in India. He became the governor of Portuguese India in 1509 and is known for his military conquests, including the capture of Goa in 1510.

Based on this analysis, the correct answer is:

**(d) Alfonso de Albuquerque**

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Key Figures**: Review the contributions of each individual mentioned in the options.
- Vasco de Gama: First to arrive in India.
- St. Thomas: Not relevant to Portuguese power.
- Bartholomew Dias: Important explorer but not a founder of power.
- Alfonso de Albuquerque: Established Portuguese power.

2. **Understand Their Contributions**: Recognize that while Vasco de Gama opened trade routes, it was Alfonso de Albuquerque who solidified and expanded Portuguese control.

3. **Historical Context**: Acknowledge that Albuquerque's actions in 1509 and the capture of Goa in 1510 were pivotal in establishing a stronghold for the Portuguese in India.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the historical contributions and actions, determine that Alfonso de Albuquerque is the correct answer.