Rulers of India: Albuquerque

The book opens a vivid portrait of Afonso de Albuquerque, the Portuguese commander who imagined an empire stretching from Europe across the Indian Ocean. Drawing on his own commentaries and a wealth of contemporary letters, it brings his daring conquests of Goa, Malacca and Hormuz to life, while also exploring the political and religious currents that shaped his ambitions. Listeners will hear how his vision of a maritime empire clashed with the realities of local power and the pressures of the Portuguese Crown.

Beyond the battlefield, the narrative delves into the early days of European colonial thought, showing how Albuquerque’s strategies and his insistence on fortified ports set patterns that echo through later history. The author weaves together travel, diplomacy and the clash of cultures, offering a clear, engaging account of a figure who has been largely overlooked in popular histories of India. This first act establishes the stakes and personalities that defined the early Portuguese presence in the subcontinent.