Nuno da Cunha, Portuguese admiral and politician, Governor of Portuguese India (b. 1487)

Nuno da Cunha (c. 1487 – March 5, 1539) stands as one of the most enduring figures in the history of the Portuguese Estado da Índia, serving as Governor of Portuguese possessions in India for an impressive nine years, from 1529 to 1538. His tenure was the longest of any governor in Portuguese Asia during the sixteenth century, a testament to his strategic acumen and resilient leadership in a period of intense imperial expansion and fierce competition in the Indian Ocean.

Born around 1487, Nuno da Cunha hailed from an illustrious lineage. He was the son of the renowned Portuguese navigator, admiral, and diplomat Tristão da Cunha, famous for his voyages and as an ambassador to Pope Leo X, and Antónia Pais. Growing up with such a heritage, Nuno was destined for a life of service to the Portuguese Crown, a path he embraced with distinction from an early age.

A Distinguished Career Begins

Before assuming the highest office in Portuguese India, Nuno da Cunha already demonstrated considerable military prowess. He proved his mettle in various battles, notably at Oja and Brava, and played a crucial role in the capture of Panane. These early achievements were accomplished under the experienced leadership of Viceroy Francisco de Almeida, providing Nuno with invaluable experience in naval warfare and colonial administration. His capabilities did not go unnoticed, earning him the trust and confidence of King João III of Portugal.

Appointment and a Delicate Mission

In April 1529, King João III appointed Nuno da Cunha as the ninth Governor of Portuguese possessions in India. This appointment came with a highly sensitive mandate: to terminate the governorship of his predecessor, Lopo Vaz de Sampaio (who had served from 1526–1529), and to send Sampaio back to Portugal in chains. This delicate, almost unprecedented mission underscored the deep trust the King placed in Nuno, a connection forged and maintained since João III was still a prince. Such a personal bond was rare and indicative of Nuno’s standing within the royal court.

The Perilous Journey to Goa

Nuno da Cunha's journey to assume his new post in Goa was not without its trials. While en route, his fleet encountered and successfully subdued pirates operating off the coast of Portuguese Mozambique. Mozambique was a vital link in Portugal's maritime lifeline to the rich trading centers of the west coast of India, providing essential watering stations and safe harbors. Securing these routes was paramount for the ongoing success of the Estado da Índia.

Tragically, this voyage also brought personal loss. Nuno had expected his brothers, Pero Vaz da Cunha and Simão da Cunha, to serve under him as second and third in command, a common form of nepotism—or indeed, trust in family—that was largely accepted within the Portuguese Estado da Índia. However, both brothers perished during the arduous journey, leaving Nuno to rely more heavily on the local networks of clientage and alliances in Goa to govern effectively during his long rule.

Expansion and Fortification: Defining Nuno's Governorship

Nuno da Cunha’s governorship was marked by significant military successes and strategic territorial gains, particularly against the powerful Muslim state of Gujarat, which controlled vital trading routes along the Arabian Sea.

Campaigns and Conquests

The Tragic End of a Long Reign

Despite his long and successful tenure, Nuno da Cunha’s governorship eventually fell victim to the labyrinthine court intrigues back in Portugal. Such political machinations were a common, if unfortunate, feature of colonial administration, often leading to the recall of even the most accomplished governors. Forced to relinquish his duties and return to Portugal, Nuno embarked on his final, ill-fated voyage.

His journey ended in tragedy. While sailing around the treacherous Cape of Good Hope, his ship was caught in a storm and wrecked. Nuno da Cunha, the formidable admiral and long-serving governor, tragically drowned, bringing an abrupt and sorrowful end to a distinguished career.

Personal Life and Historical Documentation

Beyond his military and administrative achievements, Nuno da Cunha’s personal life saw two marriages: his first to Maria da Cunha, and his second to Isabel da Silveira.

The primary source for much of what we know about Nuno da Cunha's remarkable career comes from the esteemed Portuguese historian João de Barros (1496–1570). Barros is celebrated for his monumental work, Asia de Ioam de Barros, dos fectos que os Portuguezes fizeram no descobrimento e conquista dos mares e terras do Oriente (Asia of João de Barros, of the deeds the Portuguese performed in the discovery and conquest of the seas and lands of the Orient). This work, filled with vivid detail and dramatic incidents—such as the king of Viantana's execution of Portuguese ambassadors to Malacca with boiling water, their bodies then cast to dogs—provides an invaluable window into the brutal realities and grand ambitions of Portuguese expansion in the 16th century, cementing Nuno da Cunha's place in history.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nuno da Cunha

Who was Nuno da Cunha?
Nuno da Cunha was a prominent Portuguese admiral and colonial administrator who served as the Governor of Portuguese possessions in India (Portuguese Asia) from 1529 to 1538, making him the longest-serving governor in the region during the 16th century.
What was his family background?
He was the son of the famous Portuguese navigator and admiral Tristão da Cunha and Antónia Pais. His lineage connected him to one of Portugal's most distinguished maritime families.
When did Nuno da Cunha serve as Governor of Portuguese India?
He served as Governor from April 1529 to 1538, a period of nine years.
What were some of his key achievements during his governorship?
His key achievements include subduing pirates at Mombasa, leading the expedition that sacked and burned Damão in 1529, and most notably, capturing Baxay (Vasai) from the Sultan of Gujarat in 1533. Baxay was subsequently renamed Bassein and became a significant Portuguese stronghold and capital of the Province of the North, where a strong citadel was built.
What was the significance of his appointment by King João III?
His appointment by King João III was unique as it included a delicate mission to remove and send his predecessor, Lopo Vaz de Sampaio, back to Portugal in chains. This reflected the deep trust and personal connection Nuno had with the king.
How did Nuno da Cunha's governorship end?
He was forced to return to Portugal due to court intrigues. Tragically, his ship was shipwrecked at the Cape of Good Hope during his return voyage, and he drowned in 1539.
Who is the main historical source for Nuno da Cunha's life?
The primary historical source for Nuno da Cunha's career is the Portuguese historian João de Barros (1496–1570), particularly his comprehensive work, Asia de Ioam de Barros.