36. Payment for the scribe of the Portuguese fortress in Calicut

National Archive of Torre do Tombo (Portugal)
Corpo Cronológico, Parte II, mç. 236, doc. 75
SENDER: Belchior Carvalho
PLACE OF DEPARTURE: Calicut
GENERAL INFORMATION: Dated 1515.

This register is a single example of an order for the payment of a scribe. Belchior Carvalho was at the time a scribe at the factory in Calicut, India. The role of these officers was crucial to keep a solid record of all transactions and matters of everyday life. Dozens of them were appointed each year to fulfil their duty across the empire, as paperwork was fundamental for efficient administration.

(Roger Lee de Jesus)