A Câmara de Natal e os homens de conhecida nobreza: governança local na Capitania do Rio Grande (1720-1759)

Abstract

This dissertation analyzes the local governance of the captaincy of Rio Grande, through the city council of Natal, between the years of 1720-1759. The period analyzed is explained by the context of the captaincy of Rio Grande. The year 1720 is characterized by being a landmark, because from this date the so-called ―Guerra dos Bárbaros‖ is understood as finalized, and the process of territorialization in the ―sertões‖ west of the captaincy would have been effected in a minimal way. From 1759, the captaincy of Rio Grande underwent a change in its internal dynamics, with the creation of new villages, implemented by the Marquis of Pombal. Therefore, Natal ceased to be the only locality to own a council in the captaincy. This dissertation turns to the period before this, in which the town policies of Natal resounded throughout the captaincy. For this, the ―homens bons‖ of this council of Rio Grande were perceived, tracing a profile of the ―conhecida nobreza‖, ―afazendada‖ and belonging of the best local families. Then, the policies of administration and spatial organization in the city of Natal were analyzed, and the reflection of these in the own captaincy of Rio Grande. Thus, in addition to the aspects of interference on the urban space of Natal, such as food supply, mechanical crafts, festivities, among others; we sought to think of the central role played by this city over the Rio Grande captaincy, in a constant dialogue with the central-periphery categories, both within the captaincy itself and in the dialogue of the Council of Natal with other administrative instances of the Portuguese overseas empire.