1453-1515

Portuguese military officer and strategist who contributed significantly to Portuguese efforts to control the main trade routes to Asia. He conquered India and established a colony in Goa (India) in 1510 and a colony in Melaka (Malay Peninsula) in 1511. He gained additional Portuguese control by having his men marry the widows of the defeated Indian Muslims. His successful efforts provided a base for the expansion of Christianity into India and East Asia.