SUBDELEGATE AND DISTRIBUTION OF COMMODITIES IN ALTO PERÚ. JUAN DIONISIO MARIN¨S DENUNCIATION IN 1785, SUBDELEGATEOF CARANGAS

Abstract

This article concerns the forced distribution (reparto) of commodities in the Andean region before and after the prohibition of this trade, in the viceroyalty of the River Plate, through the introduction in 1782 of the Intendencies following the rebellions of 1780, after which the distribution of commodities was prohibited. This forbade the Subdelegate (who had replaced the detested Corregidor) from engaging in this form of forced commercial activity. However, there is much evidence that the Subdelegates continued these forms of forced trade, which were sometimes justified by pointing to the small economic benefit accruing to local authorities. The article studies the denunciation of the subdelegate of Carangas (Upper Perú) by the miners for distributing commodities, and the defense of the indigenous population in support of the subdelegate Marin. We will analyze the social relations within the province of Carangas in order to understand the points of view of the different social actors in this case