The Siege of Cannanore (1559) was a decisive battle between the Portuguese and the Princes of Malabar. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Portuguese defenders, led by Luiz de Mello, held off a massive enemy force, securing the fortress and restoring peace to the region.
Background.
The Princes of Malabar, incited by Ade Rajao, sought to expel the Portuguese from Cannanore. The Portuguese fortress, commanded by Dom Payo de Noronha, was a critical stronghold, but the defenders faced overwhelming odds. With an army of 100,000 men, the enemy encamped around the fortress and launched a coordinated attack to crush the Portuguese forces.
Battle.
Luiz de Mello, despite his prior imprisonment by the Viceroy, was sent to reinforce Cannanore with his fleet. Upon arrival, he found the fortress in imminent danger. The trenches were already occupied by the enemy, and the situation was dire. Alongside Antonio de Vilhena, Luiz de Mello took command of the defense.
The Portuguese, numbering only 500 men, displayed extraordinary courage. Luiz de Mello led 60 soldiers in daring counterattacks, while Antonio de Vilhena commanded a group of fifty men who fiercely contested every inch of the trenches. The engagement, lasting twelve hours, saw the Portuguese repel wave after wave of enemy assaults. Despite their superior numbers, the attackers suffered heavy casualties, losing 15,000 men, while the Portuguese suffered minimal losses of 25 killed.
Aftermath.
Struck by admiration for the valor of their opponents, the Princes of Malabar abandoned their plans to besiege the fortress further and asked for peace, which was then again restored in Cannanore.
References.
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