Lecture Notes on Alfonso de Albuquerque's Campaign in India

Introduction

• Date: January 2nd, 1510
• Key Figure: Alfonso de Albuquerque, newly appointed governor of India.
• Context: Albuquerque maneuvering his fleet for an attack on Calicut.

Key Players

• Alfonso de Albuquerque:
  • Recently became governor of India (2 months prior) after the departure of Francisco de Almeida.
  • Experienced in military tactics and strategy.
• D. Fernando Coutinho:
  • The Marshall of Portugal, ambitious and arrogant.
  • Commanded a fleet of 15 ships and 3,000 men, de facto commander in the Indian Ocean.

The Plan of Attack

• Objective: To capture Calicut and its king, the Zamorin.
• Strategy:
  • Coutinho to attack from the north; Albuquerque to approach from the south as a diversion.
  • Both forces to land simultaneously and attack the Royal Pavilion, the Sarame.
• Trophy: Coutinho aimed to seize the ornate doors of the Sarame for glory.

Attack on Calicut

• Timing: Attack commenced on January 3rd, 1510, just before dawn.
• Execution:
  • Coutinho's forces delayed due to currents; Albuquerque launched his attack early.
  • Fierce fighting ensued; Albuquerque's forces quickly gained ground despite the disorder.
• Outcomes:
  • Albuquerque reached the Sarame before Coutinho.
  • Coutinho, furious at being outdone, demanded the doors be thrown into the sea out of spite.

Coutinho's Reckless Venture

• Gasper de Gama:
  • Suggested a risky route to the Zamorin's palace, motivated by Coutinho's desire for glory.
• Warnings Ignored: Albuquerque warned Coutinho against the journey, predicting defeat.
• Consequences:
  • Coutinho led 400 men into the jungle; faced heavy resistance, resulting in severe losses.

The Battle for the Palace

• Looting Begins:
  • Portuguese soldiers plundered the treasury, but failed to notice regrouping Niar warriors.
• Counterattack:
  • Niar warriors launched a surprise attack, leading to heavy casualties among Coutinho's men.
  • Coutinho was ultimately killed in battle; Albuquerque attempted to rally troops but faced panic and retreat.

Aftermath of the Battle

• Casualties:
  • Portuguese losses: 300 dead, 400 wounded.
  • Zamorin's forces also suffered significant losses.
• Albuquerque's Condition:
  • He was wounded but survived, gaining new respect for military strategy and the importance of planning.

Strategic Changes Post-Battle

• Realization: Albuquerque recognized the need for better military organization and tactics.
• New Strategy: Control key strategic points rather than large territories due to Portugal’s limited manpower.
• Military Reforms:
  • Inspired by European military revolutions; focused on organization and discipline.
  • Trained troops in new tactics; refitted ships for upcoming campaigns.

Future Plans

• Preparedness: By early February 1510, Albuquerque commanded 23 ships and 1,600 soldiers.
• Next Move: A plan to confront the Mamluks, who were building a new fleet, using intelligence from allies like Hindu pirate Timi.
• New Destination: Set course for Goa, regarded as an overlooked but strategic target.

Conclusion

• Albuquerque’s Vision: Aimed to establish a powerful Portuguese presence in the Indian Ocean through strategic control rather than brute force.