Siege of Anjadiva (1506)

The Siege of Anjadiva in 1506 was a military engagement between the Portuguese forces under Dom Lourenço de Almeida and forces defending the island of Anjadiva (also known as Anjidiv Island), located off the coast of Goa, India. The siege resulted in a Portuguese victory and the establishment of a permanent Portuguese presence on the island.

Prior to the siege, Anjadiva served as a strategic location for trade and navigation along the Malabar Coast. Its proximity to Goa made it desirable for the Portuguese, who sought to control maritime routes and establish a foothold in the region. The island was defended by a smaller force, likely composed of a mix of local inhabitants and potentially supported by regional powers.

Dom Lourenço de Almeida, son of the Portuguese Viceroy Dom Francisco de Almeida, led the Portuguese assault. The siege involved a combination of naval bombardment and land attacks. The Portuguese, with superior weaponry and naval power, were able to overcome the island's defenses.

Following the capture of Anjadiva, the Portuguese constructed a fort on the island. This fort, initially a simple structure, served as a vital outpost for Portuguese ships and a center for trade and military operations. The establishment of a Portuguese presence on Anjadiva further solidified their control over the sea lanes and facilitated their expansion in India. The island remained under Portuguese control for centuries, playing a significant role in their colonial endeavors.