Above: World Map from 1500-1800 A.D., showing the routes of exploration (click map to enlarge)

The Islamic and European tussle on the Euro land mass spilled over to the naval domination struggle in the Indian Ocean. The sea trades routes were important as well a flourishing during the late sixteenth century. The then Sultan of Gujarat the western most state with coasts at Arabian sea was a growing trade centre.

Above: Painting of Vasco da Gama

The portugese after the success of Vasco da Gama with exploits in the Indian sub continent planned to setup trade centres on permanent basis in India. The naval supremacy of Portugese was evident in the artillery and firepower they had on their ships as compared to the smaller arab dowhs (wooden planks tied with ropes) and could not carry cannons or heavy equipemtn on board. The portugese ships could easily over power and outfight the primitive boats. The fall of Ottaman empire helped the Portugese who advanced and captured key trade ports along the sea rotues like Mombasa, Muscat, Goa etc. This helped them avoid the trade routes dominated by Arabs by using these ports and routing their cargo via cape of good hope. The Egyptian a long time friend and ally of Sultanate of Gujarat were invited by the then Sultan to take over the western provinces and the egyptian forces which mainly had turks in their ranks started their march along the coastal arbian provinces. They caputred Jeddah, and got support of the sultan there. From there on they sailed eastwards and entered Diu a flourishing trade port. The naval battle between the egyptians and portugese on the Indian ocean saw small fleet of portugese taken by the large egyptian fleet supported by the fleet from Sultnate of Gujarat.

Above: Picture depicting destruction that the ‘Battle of Spice’ has brought

The Portuguese then shifted their attention to the Southern tip of India and captured the ports of Cochin and Malabar. The Egyptians wary of the naval power of the Portuguese and habitual of fighting wars from the forts along the Mediterranean holed up at Port of Diu and waited for the Portuguese to start the attack. They had heavy artillery in place at the fort and were convinced of their victory. The Portuguese after heavy naval artillery attacks on the fort captured the fort in hand to hand combat and eventually laid claim on the port city of Diu. However, the then viceroy of Portuguese claimed gold coins in lieu of ownership of the city as he felt it was not beneficial for the Portuguese future. Though a small garrison was maintained at the fort city, the prisoners of this war were brutally killed to avenge the death of viceroy’s son who was killed in the naval battle at Indian sea earlier.

Above: Map of Ottoman Empire in the 14th Century (click map to enlarge)

The rivalry between Ottoman empire and Portuguese did not end with this battle but continued when the 50 plus strong fleet of Ottoman empire laid siege on the Port of Diu. But unexpectedly the siege was lifted and Portuguese continued to rule the port city of Diu. The second battle marked the end of Ottoman Empires dominance and Portuguese reigned supreme till the Dutch and British turned their attention on the riches of Indian subcontinent and arrival of East India Company on the Indian soil.

Below: Map showing Portuguese Fleet route in Port Diu Assault

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