Skip to content

Questions about Gaspar Correia

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When did Gaspar Correia arrive in Portuguese India?

Gaspar Correia arrived in Portuguese India between 1512 and 1514 as a soldier. He spent most of his life serving the empire that had brought him to Asia.

Who chose Gaspar Correia to serve as a scrivener for the Portuguese Empire?

Afonso de Albuquerque chose Gaspar Correia as a scrivener when he transitioned from fighting on the front lines to writing history. This role held great pride for Correia throughout his career.

What happened to the Lendas da Índia manuscript after Gaspar Correia died?

Miguel da Gama carried the 3,500-page Lendas da Índia manuscript from India to Portugal shortly after Gaspar Correia died. The original manuscript remained with Correia's family until the Royal Academy of Sciences of Lisbon printed it.

When were the parts of Gaspar Correias Lendas da Índia published by the Royal Academy of Sciences of Lisbon?

The Royal Academy of Sciences of Lisbon released the first part of the work in 1858 and the second part in 1864. Copies circulated only among authorized persons during the sixteenth century before this publication.

Why do historians value the account written by Gaspar Correia over other contemporary records?

Historians value his account because he had direct access to events others could not see. His unique position allowed him to document the early years of empire building more thoroughly than his contemporaries.