The Portugues Asia, or, The history of the discovery and conquest of India by the Portugues containing all their discoveries from the coast of Africk, to the farthest parts of China and Japan, all their battels by sea and land, sieges and other memorable actions, a description of those countries, and many particulars of the religion, government and customs of the natives, &c. : in three tomes / written in Spanish by Manuel de Faria y Sousa ... ; translated into English by Cap. John Stevens.

CHAP. V.

A continuation of the Conquest of the same Year 1510, Albuquerque Governing, and King Emanuel Reigning.

1. TIcuari is an Island on the Coast of Canara, formed by two Mouths of the River Gacim, its length from East to West 3 Leagues, the breadth one. There is in it Hill and Plain, has good Water, very Fruit∣ful, Pleasant, Beautiful and Healthy. On the Northern part of it is seated the City Goa, which formerly was on the South. This now in being was built by Melique Ho∣zem, a Moor, 40 years before the arrival of the Portugueses. The Old is not known when founded; but some Authentick Wri∣tings have been found, wherein is mentio∣ned, that Mantrasat, King thereof, above 100 years before, confesses one only God, the Incarnation of his Son, and the Trini∣ty and Unity; whence appears they had knowledge of the true Faith; to which may

be added, that when the City was taken, there was found in a Wall a Copper Cruci∣fix. These might be the fruits of the Apo∣stle St. Thomas's Preaching.

2. About the year 1300 the Moors be∣gan to conquer India. The first that at∣tempted it with great Power was Xa Nosa∣radin, King of Delhi; with a Powerful Ar∣my he came down from the North, conque∣ring all the Gentiles as far as the Kingdom of Canara. Thence he returned to Delhi, leaving Habedxa to prosecute the Conquests, who by his Valour and Conduct became so great, that he coped with his Master, which beginning, his Nephew Madura prosecuting, possessed himself of the Kingdom of Canara, and casting off his Allegiance to the King, he called the Kingdom Decan, from the sun∣dry Nations wherewith he Conquered it, this Word signifying so much in that Lan∣guage. Too great an Empire always threa∣tens ruin. Mamudxa fearing this, used great industry to secure himself, which was ef∣fectual for some time; but at length seve∣ral Governours intrusted with Provinces of this Empire, erected them into Sovereignties. The greatest of these was he of Goa, about the time of our coming into India, called Sa∣bayo, deceased about the time of Albuquerque's design upon Goa; and Cufo, King of Hidalcan, had possessed himself of the City, and put it into the Hands of his Son Ismael. The other Princes were Nizamaluco, Mudremaluco Melic Verido, Coje Moçadan, Abexeiapado and Cotama∣luco, all great, some very great. Sabayo was

born at Saba, a City of Persia, of very mean extraction, but served the King of Decan so fortunately, that he gave him the City Cal∣berga. Thence he extended his Conquests of the Pagans of Bisnagar, and after over the Island of Goa, lately possessed by the Moors come from Onor, Melique Hozem be∣ing then Lord of it, who defended it with 1200 men, and was killed in the defence. Goa had several dependencies, and with these and others he gained Sabayo, became the most Powerful of those Princes, and consequently hated of them all. He main∣tained himself against all whilst he lived, sometimes by Policy, sometimes by Force; but his death produced great alteration.

3. We left the great Albuquerque at an∣chor before the Bar of Goa, let us see what he acted. It was necessary to sail up the River, on whose Bank the City is seated; therefore he sent his Nephew Don Antonio de Noronha and Timoja to sound it. A light Vessel leading the way, spied a Brigantine of the Moors, and giving it chase, found they drew under a Fort well stored with Artillery and 400 men, Command∣ed by Yaçu Gorgi, a valiant Turk, to se∣cure the entrance of the River. Don An∣tonio seeing the other in the chase, pressed after him; and though the attack of the Bulwark seemed difficult, they attacked, and after a stout resistance took it, the Com∣mander having almost lost a Hand, and not able to stop the flight of his men, retired to the City. Mean while Timoja, not to be

out-done, took another Bulwark on the Continent, defended by some Artillery and 30 men. Then they sounded the River. Next day as Albuquerque entred the River, he was met by Mirali, and other Chief Men of the City, who came to surrender it, upon condition their Lives, Liberties and Estates should be secured. The reason of this surrender was, that the Turk Yaçu had terrified them with the relation of what he had seen a few Portugueses do, and that a Iogue (these are Religious Men among those People, esteemed Saints and Prophets) not long before had declared, that place should soon be subject to Strangers. Albu∣querque accepted the offer, and anchoring before the City on the 17th of February, was received on the Shoar as if he had been their Natural Prince. He mounted on a Horse, they brought him, with Rich Fur∣niture, at the Gate received the Keys, and went on to the Pallace, built by Sabayo. He found there much Cannon, Arms, Tackle, and many Horses. Next he gave such Or∣ders as were to the satisfaction of all the City, then dispatched several Embassies to divers Kings, which produced no effect, on∣ly shewed the greatness of his Thought.

4. The Neighbouring Towns depending on Goa, came instantly to make their sub∣mission, and were kindly received. The Com∣mand of the Fort was given to Don Antonio de Noronna; the Government of the Infidels to Timoja, and so the other Posts to the ge∣neral satisfaction. Understanding that Ships

of Ormuz, and the •…•…oast of Arabia were la∣ding at Baticala, four Vessels were sent thi∣ther, which took and carried them to Co∣chin, sending plenty of Provision to Albu∣querque. Now our Fortune begins to frown. The Moors begin to exercise their Treache∣ry. Those whom Albuquerque most relied upon conspire, and after four Months revolt, notwithstanding the most faithful Timoja blamed his confidence. They had deliver∣ed themselves up so easily to shun their own ruin, and gain time till Ismael Hidalcam pre∣pared to come to their relief. So it fell out, and he came on with great Power, sending be∣fore his great General Camalcam, with 1500 Horse and 8000 Foot. Albuquerque disposed his men with great diligence and order to receive him.

5. The first step was to secure the Heads of the Conspiracy, and the chief being Mir Cazem, to whom he had given the Com∣mand of 400 Moors, and his Nephew, they were hewed to pieces by his Guards, others were hanged in publick places, and others kept Prisoners, there being 100 convicted. This discovery, with the punishment, terri∣fied the City. Camalcam attempted to pass over to the Island, having prepared Boats to that effect. Don Antonio opposed him, and took 12 Boats. Many of the Enemies were killed, many devoured by the Croco∣diles, wherewith that River abounds. Ne∣vertheless Camalcam landed in the Island, which was quitted by our men, and some Cannon had been lost, had not two Masons

maintained it, though our Gentry fled, till they were killed, and it brought off. After some resistance, all retired into the City. Camalcam encamped about it, playing his Cannon effectually; Albuquerque did what the Place permitted, and now comes up Hi∣dalcam with 60000 Men, whereof 5000 were Horse. Part of this Army passed the River, and the rest was divided into two parts, one Commanded by a Famous Offi∣cer, the other by his Mother and Women, who maintained their Souldiers by the gain of 4000 Common Women they had with them; so that the Women lived upon them, and they upon the Women. The siege was closed by the coming of the King, and no place left Albuquerque to act any thing con∣siderable. It is prudence sometimes to yield to necessity. It was resolved in a Council, before day to abandon the City. This was executed with great hazard, for the way to the Ships began to be stopped by Hidalcam, and Albuquerque had his Horse killed, yet got off without loss, after a siege of 20 days.

6. It was resolved to winter in that Sea, and to this effect drew into a Bay▪ though not commodious, the best thereabouts; and because the Fort of Pangi with much Ar∣tillery incommoded them, there was no re∣medy but gaining of it; 300 Portugueses were appointed for the attack. Don Antonio de Noronha, with a Party, was appointed as a reserve, to relieve where there was most need, and Albuquerque to guard the Shoar. At the same time they prepared by Night

to appear with the day before the Fort; there marched 500 men, sent by Hidalcam to reinforce it. They Joy of these People was so great, that those without, as well as those within being all drunk, they mistook our Men, one side thinking it was the Relief sent them, and the other believing it was the Garrison came out to receive them. They were undeceived by the execution done upon them, 340 being slain, the rest rouced, with the loss of one man acciden∣tally drowned. The same hapned at the Bulwark Timoja had before gained at Bardes. Hidalcam hearing of this, was so terrified, that he went from the City, and his fear was the more, because some Conjurer had told him he should be killed by a great Shot near some River. He sent some ceremoni∣ous Messages to Albuquerque, to discover what was doing aboard the Ships, and he answer∣ed, still adding to his fear. By this means he exchanged those Moors he had kept Pri∣soners, for the Portugueses that were left in the City at their abandoning of it.

7. Albuquerque had intelligence some Ves∣sels were preparing to burn his Ships, and he resolved to anticipate by firing them, and they being drove up the Harbour, Don Antonio de Noronha was killed in this action. This man used to moderate the Violent Passions of his Uncle Albuquerque, who im∣mediately after shewed the effect of his rigid Severity, by hanging a Souldier because he found him with one of the Slaves he called Daughters, that he used to give in Marriage.

And when some of the Officers asked him what Authority he had to put this in exe∣cution, putting them under Deck, he lifted his Sword over them, saying, That was his Commission against all that were disobedi∣ent, and then broke them all. They all suffered much hardship this Winter, especi∣ally Hunger. Sailing hence they discovered four Sail, which were judged to be Turks; but coming nearer, appeared to be some of the Fleet come from Portugal.

8. This year King Emanuel had dispatch∣ed two Squadrons for India, one of seven the other of four Ships; after them went out two Ships more, and a third to settle a Trade at Madagascar. The four Ships under Iames Mendez were those Albuquerque met at his setting out from Goa, and gave him the News of the other Ships that were on their way, which was a great satisfaction to him, being the better enabled to prosecute his great designs. Gonçalo Siqueira with the se∣ven Ships arrived at Cananor, soon after Al∣buquerque, who communicated the enter∣prize upon Goa, but was over-ruled by Si∣queira and went to Cochin. By the way he obtained a Victory over the Malabares of Calicut, who opposed our lading Pepper; then he dispatched Siqueira with the Tra∣ding Ships homeward-bound, and soon af∣ter Duarte de Lemos with four more, and then turned his view again to the affair of Goa. Iames Mendez, who commanded the four Ships, and was before inclinable to the design, now excused himself. Albuqu•…•…

finding this, commanded him and his Cap∣tains, upon the severest penalties, not to stir without his Orders. It troubled them be∣cause they feared losing the opportunity of going to Malaca, whither the King sent them; but they obeyed. Albuquerque set out from Cananor with 23 Sail, and therein 1500 Fighting-men. He passed by Onor to joyn Timoja, whom he found busied in his Wed∣ding, being to marry the Daughter of a Queen, and he desiring to be honoured with the Presence of Albuquerque, obliged him to land, which proved very dangerous, for a Storm rising kept them ashoar three days, and when he returned to his Ships, a Boat with 30 men was lost. Timoja sent with him three Ships, and promised to join him at Goa with 6000 men.

9. On the 22th of November Albuquerque anchored the second time before the Bar Calling to mind the dangers he had there escaped, and the discontent that was among some of his Officers, he thought fit to sooth the Principals with an obliging Harangue, and therewith won all their Inclinations. At break of day, on the Feast of St. Catha∣rine, the City was assaulted with great slaughter of the Enemy that maintained the Shoar, but (though it seem strange) not one Portugues killed. The Enemy fled to recover one of the Gates of the City, and our men to enter with them. Here the Fight was renewed, till many Portugueses forced their way in, doing great execution in the Streets. They cleared all to the

Pallace with great danger, and loss of five Men of Note; and there was a most furious Contest begun with equal Valour on both sides. Now Albuquerque having done what became him, came up, and Fortune appear∣ing wholly on our side, the Moors fled, and abandoned the City, endeavouring to get over to the Continent, but through hast and con∣fusion perished in the River. After the Victory it was found, that of 9000 Fight∣ing-men who defended the Town, 6000 had perished, and 50 Portugueses. Me∣deorao, who commanded the three Ships sent by Timoja, behaved himself well. Ti∣moja with 3000 men came too late, he was only Witness to the Slaughter. The booty of Horses, Artillery, Arms, Provisions and Ships was excessive, and such as was neces∣sary for the great designs Albuquerque had conceived.

10. Our Dead were honourably buried, those of the Enemy in the Bellies of the Cro∣codiles of that River, into which they were cast. Not one Moor was left alive in the Island. The Gentiles, who were Country∣men, were restored to their Farms, and the Government of them given to Timoja, and after to Melrao, a Nephew of the King of Onor. Whilst Albuquerque setled these Af∣fairs, he received many Embassadors with Congratulations of his success from several Princes of Malabar. Many of Hidalean's Officers, then, and afterwards made inroads as far as Goa, but always returned with loss. Iames Mendez and his two other Captains,

desirous to go to Malaca, stole away out of the Port by Night, contrary to Albuquerque's Orders. He sent after them, and being brought back Prisoners, he Ordered they should be sent to answer it in Portugal, and two Pilots condemned to be hanged at the Yard∣arms. Some were suspicious that Albuquerque detained Iames Mendez, lest he should take Malaca, which Action he designed for himself; others said, he kept him from the danger Siqueira met with there, that Enter∣prize requiring a greater Power.

11. Albuquerque providing for the safety of Goa, laid the Foundation of a Fort, which he called Emanuel, being the King's Name. He caused the Names of the Captains who were at the taking of it, to be carved upon a Stone; but because every one would be named before the others, he turned down the Stone, hiding the Names, and on what was visible put this Inscription, Lapidem quem reprobraverunt aedificantes; and thus they were all pleased; for the Portugueses had rather their own Praise should be for∣got, than that another should partake. He coined Mony, that of Gold he called Emanuels, that of Silver, Esperas, and half Esperas that of Copper. He married some Portugueses to Women of the Country, gi∣•…•…ing them in Portion, Lands, Houses, or Em∣•…•…loyments, the better to secure his Colony. One Night that some of these Weddings •…•…ere Celebrated, the Brides were so mixt •…•…nd confounded together among the People, •…•…at some of the Bridegrooms went to Bed

to those that belonged to others, and next Morning finding the mistake, they changed them, each taking his own, and all equal as to the point of Honour. This gave the more occasion to some Gentlemen to ridicule the care of Albuquerque. But he persisted with such Constancy, that he brought to pass what he intended, which was, to make Goa the Portugues Bulwark in India. King Emanuel was very desirous of, and recommended to Albuquerque, with much instance, the taking the City Aden, and raising a Fort there. He now possessed of Goa, thought time lo•…•… while he attempted not something; he therefore counterfeits the carrying on this Enterprize, and sent some Ships towards the Red Sea, when at the same time his design was upon Malaca. He went to Cochin, ha∣ving first secured and ordered all things at Goa: Where was left for the defence of it Rodrigo de Castello Branco with 400 Portu∣gueses and 5000 Gentiles, under Melrao to secure the Country and Revenue. He set out of Cochin for Malaca on the 2d of May with 19 Sail and 1400 Fighting-men, 800 of them Portugueses, the rest Malabares.