Tristão da Cunha
Tristão da Cunha or
Tristan da Cunha (~
1460 - ~
1540) was nominated first
viceroy of Portuguese
India in 1504, but did not take up this post owing to temporary blindness; in 1506 he became commander of a fleet which operated on the east coast of
Africa and in the Indies,
Alfonso d'Albuquerque having charge of a squadron under da Cunha. After discovering
the islands which now bear his name, da Cunha landed in
Madagascar, subsequently visiting
Mozambique, Brava (where he reduced the
Arab power) and Socotra, which he conquered. He also distinguished himself in the Indies in various actions. In 1514 he served as ambassador to
Pope Leo X to pay homage for the new conquests of Portugal, and was, later on, made a member of the Portuguese
privy council.
Original text from http://1911encyclopedia.org