A Sketch of India Through the Tales of Portuguese Travellers

Swapna

A Sketch of India Through the Tales of Portuguese Travellers

For decades, India has attracted many travellers; maybe its culture and heritage have fascinated them to a great extent. India gave them so much to explore, and in return, they penned down some scripts that have linked the modern world with the ancient. Duarte Barbosa, Domingo Paes, and Fernao Nuniz are among the travellers who have documented the Vijayanagara Empire, which has revealed much about its history.

Duarte Barbosa, famous Portuguese writer and officer, Image source: Explore Hampi

The famous Portuguese writer and officer Duarte Barbosa's visit to India contributed to many references from the past. One of the earliest works of Portuguese literature, "Book of Duarte Barbosa," by Barbosa, recounts people living in nations that border the Indian Ocean.

Duarte has lived in India since a young age. His father Diogo Barbosa worked under Álvaro of Braganza, and both came to India for a journey. During these years, Duarte lived in Kochi with his uncle. Later, he shifted to Cannanore, where he mastered the local language of Malayalam.

Barbosa's accounts depict Persia, Arabia, and Southeast Asia. He was one of the first writers to describe the trade between India and West Asia. He also dared to accuse some tribes of performing genital surgeries on females, which later turned out to be true.

When he visited Gujarat, he described the people in great detail. From the Hindu Brahmins and Rajputs to Muslims and Jains, he covered the history of all. His description of the Vijayanagara Kingdom was a big help in tracing its history.

These descriptions are very detailed and accurate. He describes, "Vijayanagara is fenced with strong ramparts and by a river as well, on the further side of a great chain of mountains. It stands on a very level plain. Here always dwells the King Narsyngua."

His observation was keen, and he wrote about the king's army, "The King Narsinga always has more than nine hundred elephants; they are of great size and beauty, he ever takes them with him for reasons of the state as well as for war." He also described the kingdom's people, including their appearance, dress and their relationship with the king.

Fernao Nuniz, another Portuguese traveller also contributed to surfacing the history of Hampi. He spent three years in the Vijayanagara Empire, during which he noticed some details that he penned down later. He lived during the reign of Achyutaraya and described the security of the palace, which had fortified and secured walls.

He brought to light the stunning structures and towers constructed throughout the city. Like Domingo Paes, he also described the celebration during the Mahanavami festival as the joyous days of the city when people dress in jewels with sparkling eyes and happy faces. He described how thousands of people served in the king's court before and during the festivals.

Whatever we have today is the contribution of the travellers who have excellently delivered the history of Vijayanagara to the world through their vintage pages. Thanks to their efforts which helped us grasp the kingdom and its place in history in a better way.

Another traveller from Portuguese India who described the Vijayanagara Kingdom was Domingo Paes. He and a group of other traders explored India, and his most famous descriptions are also about the Vijayanagara Kingdom.

He mentions the Indian coast and its setting in his book "Chronica dos reis de Bisnaga." He describes the irrigation technology, the bustling streets, the fascinating cultures, and the beauty and ambience of the city.

Most likely, he lived during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya and witnessed the Battle of Raichur between Krishna Deva Raya and Adil Shah. He also mentioned the historical temple at Hampi and the traditional Mahanavami festival. The hustle and bustle in the king's palace during the festivities is something Paes has put into words.