First Battle of Cannanore facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Cannanore
Part of First Luso-Malabarese War and Portuguese battles in the Indian Ocean
Battle of Cannanore, drawing by Alfredo Roque Gameiro in the book História de Portugal, Popular e Ilustrada
Date 31 December 1501 – 2 January 1502 (2 days) Location Cannanore, India Result Portuguese victory
Belligerents
Portuguese Empire	Calicut
Commanders and leaders
João da Nova	Zamorin of Calicut
Strength
4 carracks	220+ vessels 180 paraus and zambuks 7,000 men
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Losses: 5 major ships ~12 paraus and zambuks

The First Battle of Cannanore was an important sea fight. It happened between the Portuguese fleet led by João da Nova and the ships of Calicut. The ruler of Calicut, known as the Zamorin, gathered his navy to stop the Portuguese from returning home.

This battle took place over two days, from December 31, 1501, to January 2, 1502. It was the first big naval battle for the Portuguese in the Indian Ocean. Even though the Portuguese had far fewer ships, they won. Their smart tactics, well-trained sailors, and powerful weapons made all the difference. This victory allowed them to break free from Cannanore and continue their journey.

What Was the Battle of Cannanore?

The Battle of Cannanore was a major naval clash in the early 1500s. It involved the Portuguese Empire and the Kingdom of Calicut in India. This fight was part of a larger conflict called the First Luso-Malabarese War. The main goal for Calicut was to block the Portuguese ships. They wanted to prevent them from leaving the port of Cannanore.

Who Fought in the Battle?

On one side were the Portuguese, led by Captain João da Nova. He commanded a small but strong fleet of four large sailing ships called carracks. These ships were well-armed with cannons. On the other side was the navy of Calicut, led by its ruler, the Zamorin. The Zamorin's fleet was much larger, with over 220 vessels. Most of these were smaller, faster local boats called paraos and zambuks. They also had around 7,000 men.

Where and When Did It Happen?

The battle took place near the port of Cannanore, which is now known as Kannur, in India. It started on the last day of 1501, December 31st. The fighting continued into the new year, ending on January 2, 1502. This two-day battle was a significant event in naval history.

Why Was This Battle Important?

The Battle of Cannanore is famous for a few reasons. It showed how new naval tactics were starting to change sea warfare.

New Naval Tactics: Line of Battle

This battle was one of the first times a "line of battle" was used on purpose. This means ships lined up side-by-side. They would sail in a straight line, allowing all their cannons to fire at the enemy. Before this, naval battles were often like land battles on water. Ships would try to ram or board each other. But in Cannanore, the Portuguese mostly used their cannons. They kept their distance and fired at the enemy ships.

The First 'Modern' Naval Battle

Because of the way the Portuguese fought, some historians call this the first 'modern' naval battle. It showed that ships were becoming more than just carriers for soldiers. They were becoming powerful floating artillery platforms. The ability to use cannons effectively from a distance became key. This new way of fighting would become very common in naval warfare for centuries. After his victory, João da Nova and his fleet returned to Portugal.