Battle of Beadala (1538)

In early 1538, Martim Afonso de Sousa, the Portuguese governor of India, received reports of a large Malabar fleet operating along the coast. This fleet was led by Patemarcar, who aimed to undermine Portuguese influence in the region. Patemarcar had organized a fleet of paraus, equipped with artillery and a big number of soldiers and mariners.^[1]

To suppress the fleet, Sousa organized a force of 22 fustas and 8 catures, consisting of Portuguese soldiers, Indian allies, and enslaved rowers, to pursue the Malabar fleet. The two sides engaged in a series of maneuvers along the coast, with Patemarcar avoiding a direct conflict with the Portuguese. However, he anchored near Beadala, preparing for battle in an area where he believed he could gain a defensive advantage.^[1]

On the night of 18 February, Sousa positioned his fleet in anticipation of a dawn assault. His plan was to capitalize on surprise and decisively break the Malabar fleet's defensive line. At dawn on 19 February, the Portuguese fleet launched a surprise attack on the anchored paraus.^[1]

The Portuguese managed to cut through the initial defenses and close in on the main fleet. Sousa's forces captured and destroyed the paraus. Throughout the day, the Portuguese continued to press their advantage, surrounding and overwhelming smaller groups of Malabar ships.^[1]

On 20 February, Sousa ordered a final assault. The remaining Malabar forces were no longer able to resist. Many of Patemarcar's soldiers fled, leaving behind artillery, firearms, and supplies. Patemarcar himself fled the battlefield with 25 men, abandoning the fleet to its fate.^[1]