Ancient Indian Colonies in the Far East (Vol. I: Champa; Vol. II: Suvarnadvipa) v2.c14.t4.84

v2.c14.t4.84

Thus perished a great and flourishing kingdom after a glorious career for about a century. As we have said above, Malacca was not only the seat of a great political power, but also a big centre of trade and commerce. Its commercial importance is described in glowing terms by the Portuguese writers who saw it in its days of glory. Duarte Barbosa, writing in the beginning of the sixteenth century A.D., gives the following graphic account of its trade and commerce.¹ “Many Moorish (Muhammadan) merchants reside in it and also Gentiles (Hindu), particularly Chetis who are natives of Cholmendel (Coromandel coast): and they are all very rich and have many large ships, which they call jungos (junks). They deal in all sorts of goods in different parts, and many other Moorish and Gentile merchants flock thither from other countries to trade; some in ships of two masts from China and other places, and they bring thither (here follow a long list of articles of merchandise). There also come thither many ships from Java which have four masts...From this place many ships sail to the Molucca islands...They also navigate to Tanasery (Tennasserim), Peygu, (Pegu), Bengala (Bengal), Palecate (Pulicat), Cholmendel (Coromandel), Malabar, Cambay and Aden with all kinds of goods, so that this city of Malacca is the richest trading port and possesses the most valuable merchandise, and most numerous shipping and extensive traffic, that is known in all the world. And it has got such a quantity of gold that the great merchants do not estimate their property, nor reckon otherwise than by *bahars* of gold, which are four *quintals* each *bahar*. There are merchants among them who will take up three or four ships laden with very valuable goods, and will supply them with cargo from their own property...... The king of Malacca has got much treasure, and a large revenue from the duties which he collects.”