Why is Francisco de Almeida famous in India?

          Francisco de Almeida was a soldier and explorer, who established his reputation as a brilliant commander in the wars against the Moors of Granada. He was made the first Portuguese Viceroy of India in March 1505 by the King, Manuel I. Instead of sailing directly to India, he spent a year sailing up the eastern coast of Africa, building forts, and conquering Arab trading towns along the way. This provided the ships which followed with safe ports and provisions on the long journey.

           On his arrival in India, he established his base at Cochin, and with his son Lourenzo, explored the Malabar Coast and the island of Sri Lanka. He fought Arab, Egyptian, and Indian united fleets at every opportunity. Almeida set sail for Portugal in 1509. While restocking at the Cape of Good Hope, in Table Bay, he died in a skirmish with the Hottentots, on March 1st, 1510.