India was one of the richest and most desired regions during the Age of Discovery (the time between the 15th and 17th centuries when European powers explored and colonized parts of the world). Countries like Portugal, Britain, France, and the Dutch all came to India to trade, and later to rule. But surprisingly, Spain — one of the most powerful naval empires of the time — never came to India.
Why did Spain stay away from India, despite having one of the strongest navies in the world? The answer lies in a historic treaty and a division of the world that most people have never heard about.
The Treaty That Split the World
In 1494, Spain and Portugal signed a special agreement called the Treaty of Tordesillas. This treaty was made to stop both countries from fighting over new lands they were discovering. At that time, both were sending ships around the world — Spain mostly across the Atlantic Ocean, and Portugal around Africa.
The Treaty of Tordesillas drew an imaginary line (called a meridian) in the Atlantic Ocean. According to the agreement:
- All lands to the west of the line belonged to Spain.
- All lands to the east of the line went to Portugal.
Because India is east of that line, it fell into Portugal’s share of the world. This treaty was accepted and even supported by the Pope (the leader of the Catholic Church), who had great power at that time.
Portugal Reaches India First
In 1498, the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama sailed around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa and reached Calicut, a city on the southwestern coast of India. This gave Portugal a head start in building trade posts and later colonial power in India.
Since the Treaty gave India to Portugal, Spain chose not to interfere, even though they had the naval power to do so. Instead, Spain focused on conquering the Americas — like Mexico, Peru, and many Caribbean islands. They became incredibly rich from the gold and silver they found there.
Spain Looks Elsewhere: The Philippines
Spain didn’t completely ignore Asia. In 1521, the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan led an expedition that reached the Philippines, which later became a Spanish colony. The Philippines was located on Spain’s side of the world map, according to a second agreement called the Treaty of Zaragoza (1529). But India was still officially part of Portugal’s side.
What If Spain Had Come to India?
It’s an interesting "what if" in history. If Spain had ignored the treaty and come to India, they might have clashed with Portugal — or even with the Mughal Empire, which was ruling much of India at the time. The balance of colonial power in India could have been very different.
But Spain stuck to its path. And because of that, India became a major part of the Portuguese, British, and later French empires — but never the Spanish one.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Treaty of Tordesillas?
It was a 1494 agreement between Spain and Portugal to divide the newly discovered lands outside Europe. Lands west of a fixed line in the Atlantic Ocean went to Spain, and lands east went to Portugal.
Why didn’t Spain try to break the treaty and come to India?
Spain focused on the Americas, where it found great wealth. Also, the treaty was backed by the Pope, and both Spain and Portugal were Catholic nations that respected his authority.
Did Spain ever colonize any part of Asia?
Yes, Spain colonized the Philippines in Southeast Asia, which became a Spanish colony for over 300 years.
Was India important to European countries at that time?
Yes, India was rich in spices, textiles, and trade, and was considered one of the most valuable places to control.
What is a meridian?
A meridian is an imaginary line running from the North Pole to the South Pole, used in maps and navigation to divide the Earth into parts.
Conclusion
Spain never came to India not because it lacked power, ships, or ambition — but because of a treaty that divided the world into two parts. According to that division, India was promised to Portugal, and Spain respected that agreement.
This decision shaped the colonial history of not just India, but the entire world.
