Battle of Chaliyam : A siege on Portuguese dominance in Kerala
Battle of Chaliyam is a fascinating chapter in Indian history, and specifically in Kerala history. It was part of the fascinating medieval spectacles involving clashing empires and battles raging across the coast. In the year 1571AD, the Zamorin of Calicut, the most powerful ruler of Malabar, found himself embroiled in a bloody conflict with the Portuguese, who had arrived in India 73 years ago from then.
The Portuguese, led by Vasco da Gama, had come to Indian shores seeking profitable trade opportunities. But over their greed and ambition knew no limits, and soon they began to engage in skirmishes and attempt to colonize territories along the coast. The Zamorin, however, was not one to be trifled with. He had a formidable navy and an even stronger army, and he was determined to defend his kingdom against the Portuguese invaders.
The Siege of Chaliyam was an ultimate battle fought from 14th July 1571 onwards between the Portuguese army and the Zamorin’s forces for control of the strategic port town of Chaliyam. The town was a vital link in the trade routes between the inland regions and the sea, and both sides knew that victory here would give them a significant advantage in the war.
The battle was long and grueling, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The Zamorin’s army, made up of fierce warriors and skilled archers, fought valiantly against the technologically advanced Portuguese. He bombarded the Portugese fortress with 40 cannons. Calicut troops successfully blockaded the Portuguese reinforcement vessels also by placing an artillery battery on the mouth of the river. The supplies sent from Kochi and Kannur for the Portuguese were also intercepted. The provisions ran short and the Portugese defenders inside the fort were driven to feed on dogs. After a deal of their men were killed from range attacks or forced into starvation, the remaining ones along with the captain wrote a mercy petition or a will of surrender to the Zamorin and requested them to provide a safe passage upto a distance. The Zamorin agreed and took over the Portugese fort completely. He took possession of the cannons and other things found inside and demolished the fortress completely leaving no stone unturned.
And this battle caused a butterfly effect as inferred from the words of William Logan who said that "The decline of the Portuguese power seems to have dated from the time of this arrangement, for the consequence was a train of perplexities that distracted the Portuguese more than all the previous attacks of their enemies in India"
Sources / References:
(1)Portuguese Sea Battles by Monterio
(2)Fathul Mubyn by Zeinuddin Makhdoom II
(3)Tuhfat Al Mujaheedin by Sheikh Zaynuddin
(4)Malabar Manual by William Logan
