Gaspar da Gama

Gaspar da Gama (* approx. 1460; † 1516 or later), also called Gaspar da Índia, was a Jewish merchant who was involved as a translator (contemporary pt. "Língua") on several Portuguese trips to India. His parents were Polish Jews and he was born in Alexandria . In 1498 he joined the Vasco da Gama fleet as a negotiator for the ruler of Goa on Anjediva Island . He should first find out the intentions of the Portuguese, spy on the Portuguese fleet and then attack them with hidden ships if necessary. However, the plan was foiled and Gaspar was captured by the Portuguese. In view of his diverse language skills, he then entered the service of the Portuguese as a translator; when Gaspar was converted to Christianity, Vasco da Gama was himself a godfather. Gaspar was also involved in the subsequent India trips of Pedro Álvares Cabral (1500-1501), Vasco da Gama (1502-1503) and Francisco de Almeida (1505-1509).

Individual evidence

1. ↑ See Silvério (2000), pp. 226, 230.
2. ↑ See Silvério (2000), p. 226.
3. ↑ See Silvério (2000), pp. 228-231.
4. ↑ See Silvério (2000), pp. 234-250.

literature

Silvina Silvério: Gaspar da Índia, in: João Paulo Oliveira e Costa (ed.): Descobridores do Brasil. Exploradores do Atlântico e construtores do estado da India . Lisboa 2000, pp. 225-253.