In 1757, King Joseph I of Portugal issued a decree, developed by his minister Marquês de Pombal, granting Portuguese citizenship to all subjects in the Portuguese Indies, with the right to be represented in the Portuguese Parliament. Pombal (1699-1782), an anti-Catholic Freemason, served the King as the de facto leader of Portugal, 1750–1777.In 1759 the Jesuits were expelled from Portugal and the Távora affair reduced aristocratic power, both benefiting Pombal. Critics also denounced his enlightened absolutism. The enclaves of Goa, Damão, Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli became collectively known as the Estado da Índia Portuguesa. The first election was held in Goa on 14 January 1822. Three local citizens were elected as members of the Portuguese parliament.Charles J. Borges, Hannes Stubbe, Goa and Portugal: history and development. From their first arrival, the Portuguese intermarried among the converted natives of Goa. They produced Luso-Indian offspring, who were also Catholic.Chaudhuri (1985, 1989), p.73.Wolpert (7th 2004), p.138. Intermarriages were "officially encouraged".
