The encomienda was land grant from the King to Spanish colonizers. The man who received this favor was called an encomendero. The encomienda was, therefore, a public office. What duty is NOT required by the law of the encomienderos?

Answer 1

The statement provided in the question is partially correct. The encomienda system was a labor system established by the Spanish crown during the colonization of the Americas. Under this system, Spanish colonizers, known as encomenderos, were granted control over indigenous communities and their lands. However, it is important to note that the encomienda was not considered a public office but rather a form of economic and social arrangement.

Regarding the duties of encomenderos, they were legally required to fulfill certain obligations towards the indigenous population under Spanish law. These duties included:

Protection: Encomenderos were responsible for protecting the indigenous population under their care, ensuring their safety and security.

Conversion to Christianity: They were expected to undertake efforts to convert the indigenous people to Christianity and promote Catholicism.

Labor and Tribute: Encomenderos could require the indigenous people to provide labor, often in the form of agricultural or mining work, and pay tribute or taxes to the Spanish crown.

Education and Welfare: Encomenderos were encouraged to provide education and promote the welfare of the indigenous population.

It is important to note that the encomienda system was often characterized by abuses and exploitation of indigenous populations. While the Spanish crown imposed certain legal obligations on encomenderos, these duties were not always effectively enforced, leading to widespread mistreatment and forced labor.

To directly answer your question, it would be inappropriate to say that any specific duty was not required by the law of the encomenderos, as the duties mentioned above were indeed mandated by the Spanish authorities.