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Estevao Da GamaPortuguese navigator and military leader, governor of Portuguese India in 1540-1542.
Country:
 Portugal |
Content:
Early Life and Military Career
Estêvão da Gama was born as the second son of legendary explorer Vasco da Gama and Catarina de Ataíde. Named after his paternal grandfather, a renowned Portuguese knight, Estêvão inherited a lineage of maritime prowess.
In 1524, he accompanied his father on an expedition to India as a fleet commander and later served as governor of the Portuguese colony at São Jorge da Mina. Following a stint there, he succeeded his brother Paulo as governor of Malacca.
Governorship of Portuguese India
In 1540, Estêvão da Gama was appointed governor of Portuguese India, a role for which he was well-qualified by his administrative and military experience. He dispatched a fleet from Goa on an expedition to the Red Sea.
The Portuguese forces achieved several victories in naval battles and reached Suez, but their attempt to capture the Turkish naval base failed. On the return journey, a detachment of 400 soldiers and 130 slaves led by Estêvão's younger brother, Cristóvão da Gama, was landed in Massawa to aid the Emperor of Ethiopia. Cristóvão was killed in this campaign in 1542, but the mission ultimately succeeded.
Return to Portugal
In 1542, Estêvão da Gama returned to Portugal after handing over his governorship to Martin Afonso de Sousa. He assumed the role of governor of Lisbon, a position he held until his death.
