Although the Portuguese were considered rude and unfit to trade with by the first Indian king they encountered,what gave them an edge in establishing themselves in the Indian Ocean?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Portuguese had an edge in establishing themselves in the Indian Ocean due to their ship-mounted cannon. This allowed them to dominate naval battles and control key ports, making it difficult for other traders to compete with them. While impressive gifts and Christian rulers at ports may have helped, they were not as significant as the military advantage provided by the cannon. Byzantine aid and promises to convert to Islam were not relevant to the Portuguese establishment in the Indian Ocean.

Although the Portuguese Were Considered Rude and Unfit to Trade