EPISODE · May 22, 2026 · 4 MIN
The Portuguese in Bengal: Pirates, Traders, and the Hooghly Settlement
from The Hidden History of Bengal: Kingdoms, Empires, and Revolution — Fexingo History · host Fexingo
In the early 16th century, Portuguese adventurers and traders carved a violent but transformative presence along the coast of Bengal. This episode explores how they established the settlement of Bandel near Hooghly, their role as pirates and mercenaries in the Sundarbans and the Bay of Bengal, and the complex relationship with the Mughal and Arakanese powers. We also delve into their involvement in the slave trade, the introduction of firearms, and the cultural remnants like the Bandel Church. The episode covers figures like João de Barros, the Portuguese captain who raided the Sundarbans, and the eventual decline of Portuguese influence after Mughal reprisals in 1632. #PortugueseBengal #BandelChurch #HooghlyRiver #MughalEmpire #Arakan #SlaveTrade #Pirates #JoaoDeBarros #BengalHistory #FexingoHistory #ColonialIndia #Sundarbans #Firearms #Jahangir #ShahJahan #QasimKhan #Chittagong #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
What this episode covers
In the early 16th century, Portuguese adventurers and traders carved a violent but transformative presence along the coast of Bengal. This episode explores how they established the settlement of Bandel near Hooghly, their role as pirates and mercenaries in the Sundarbans and the Bay of Bengal, and the complex relationship with the Mughal and Arakanese powers. We also delve into their involvement in the slave trade, the introduction of firearms, and the cultural remnants like the Bandel Church. The episode covers figures like João de Barros, the Portuguese captain who raided the Sundarbans, and the eventual decline of Portuguese influence after Mughal reprisals in 1632. #PortugueseBengal #BandelChurch #HooghlyRiver #MughalEmpire #Arakan #SlaveTrade #Pirates #JoaoDeBarros #BengalHistory #FexingoHistory #ColonialIndia #Sundarbans #Firearms #Jahangir #ShahJahan #QasimKhan #Chittagong #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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The Portuguese in Bengal: Pirates, Traders, and the Hooghly Settlement
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