Vijaynagar-Prussian conflicts
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Vijayanagara-Prussian conflicts, were small naval conflicts between Prussia and Vijaynagar Kingdom on disputed territories of Islands surrounding India, namely Laccadive Islands of the chain of Lakshadweep.[1]
| Vijaynagar-Prussian conflict | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
 Vijayanagara Empire |
 Duchy of Prussia | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
|
KrishnadevarayaAliya Rama Raya |
Captain Hans von Bode Captain Friedrich von Wied | ||||||||
Background & Causes
change1. Disputes over trade routes: Vijayanagara merchants clashed with Prussian traders over control of the lucrative spice trade in the Indian Ocean.
2. Competition for influence: Both powers sought to establish dominance over the Swahili city-states of East Africa.
3. Territorial claims: Prussia claimed sovereignty over the Laccadive Islands, which Vijayanagara considered part of its territory.[2]
Major Engagements
change1. Battle of the Maldives (February 1552): Vijayanagara naval forces, led by Aliya Rama Raya, defeated Prussian ships under Captain Hans von Bode.
The battle actually did not take place in Maldives , but rather near an small unhabitated island near Southern Maldives, but this misnomer swiftly became popular.
2. Battle of Socotra (April 1552): Prussian vessels, commanded by Captain Friedrich von Wied, captured a Vijayanagara merchant fleet.
3. Battle of the Laccadives (June 1552): Vijayanagara forces, led by Cheif Aliya Rama Raya, repelled Prussian attempts to establish a naval base. Prussia lacked capabilities to set up administration of a naval base so far from their centralized area.[3]
Prussian Defeat
changePrussia lacked and failed the capabilities to command their troops far from main land.
Vijaynagar's proximity to the conflict is one the most decisive factors for their victory and dominance over the Prussian trading fleets.
Prussia did not acquire a proper navy during this conflict but rather used trading ships to transport troops through the African Horn.[4]
Treaty of Zanibar (1552)
changeThe conflict ended with the Treaty of Zanzibar, signed on August 10, 1552. Terms:
1. Establishment of maritime boundaries and trade agreements.
2. Mutual recognition of sovereignty over respective territories.
3. Establishment of diplomatic relations.[5]
Consequences
change1. Strengthened Vijaynagar's naval presence in the Indian Ocean.
2. Prussia's trade expansion in Indian ocean halted.
3. Shift in European politics, as Prussia focused on European conflicts.[6]
References
change- ↑ Sarkar (2024-01-05). Military History of India. Sanage Publishing House Llp. ISBN 978-81-19875-36-8.
- ↑ Indian Maritime and Shipping History
- ↑ Sarma, P. Sree Rama (1992). A History of Vijayanagar Empire. Prabhakar Publications.
- ↑ Sarma, P. Sree Rama (1992). A History of Vijayanagar Empire. Prabhakar Publications. p. 132.
- ↑ Sarma, P. Sree Rama (1992). A History of Vijayanagar Empire. Prabhakar Publications. p. 176.
- ↑ Sarkar (2024-01-05). Military History of India. Sanage Publishing House Llp. p. 192. ISBN 978-81-19875-36-8.