9. Vasco da Gama's Second Voyage to India (1502–1503)
Why Was He Sent Again?
After Cabral’s trading post was attacked in Calicut (1500), and many Portuguese were killed, the king of Portugal sent da Gama with a strong fleet to:
Take revenge on the Zamorin (ruler of Calicut),
Force Indian rulers to accept Portuguese trade terms,
Secure dominance over the spice trade by power.
Composition of the Fleet:
Da Gama commanded a fleet of 20 heavily armed ships and around 1500 men.
It was one of the largest and most powerful naval expeditions Portugal had sent so far.
Events of the Voyage:
Attacks on Arab Ships:
On the way to India, da Gama captured and burned several Arab merchant ships.
One of the most infamous incidents: He burned a ship carrying 300+ Muslim pilgrims, including women and children — a brutal act that shocked even some Europeans.
Arrival at Calicut:
Reached Calicut in late 1502.
Demanded the Zamorin punish those involved in earlier attacks.
When the Zamorin refused, da Gama bombarded the city’s port.
Fortified Cochin Alliance:
Left Calicut and moved to Cochin, where the ruler was friendly to the Portuguese.
Helped defend Cochin against the Zamorin’s forces.
Strengthened the Portuguese trading post there and signed further trade deals.
Return to Portugal:
Da Gama returned in 1503 with ships full of spices and other goods.
His second voyage established the use of force in Portugal’s Indian policy.