ABSTRACT
The seventeenth century viceroys and governors of Portuguese India, unlike their better-known counterparts of the early and mid-sixteenth century, have been rather neglected by historians. Linhares served as viceroy for just over six years, from October 1629 to December 1635. This was a relatively long term, and occurred at a very troubled and decisive period in the history of Portuguese India. With one important exception, the sources for Linhares are roughly similar in kind and volume to those available for other seventeenth century viceroys and governors. High appointments in the Portuguese empire were normally granted as favours to suitably qualified and experienced candidates, and were in that sense patrimonial. That the viceroyalty of the Portuguese Indies was no sinecure in the seventeenth century is demonstrated by the fact that many incumbents died either in office or soon afterwards, worn out by their exertions.
