Jump to content

Draft:Indo-Prussian War

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Indo-Prussia War or the Vijayanagara-Prussian War, was an naval conflict between Prussia and Vijaynagar Kingdom on disputed territories of Islands surrounding India, namely Laccadivs Islands of the chain of Lakshadweep.[1]

Indo-Prussian War
Location
Result

Indian Victory

  • Prussia removed all their claims to Islands South of Maldives
  • Signing of Treaty of Zanibar (1552)
Belligerents
 Vijaynagara India Kingdom of Prussia Duchy of Prussia

Background & Causes

[edit]

1. Disputes over trade routes: Vijayanagara merchants clashed with Prussian traders over control of the lucrative spice trade in the Indian Ocean.

2. Competition for influence: Both powers sought to establish dominance over the Swahili city-states of East Africa.

3. Territorial claims: Prussia claimed sovereignty over the Laccadive Islands, which Vijayanagara considered part of its territory.[2]

Major Engagements

[edit]

1. Battle of the Maldives (February 1552): Vijayanagara naval forces, led by Admiral Krishnadeva Raya, defeated Prussian ships under Captain Hans von Bode.

*The battle actually did not take place in Maldives , but rather near an small unhabitated island near southern Maldives, but this misnomer swiftly became popular.

2. Battle of Socotra (April 1552): Prussian vessels, commanded by Captain Friedrich von Wied, captured a Vijayanagara merchant fleet.

3. Battle of the Laccadives (June 1552): Vijayanagara forces, led by Cheif Aliya Rama Raya, repelled Prussian attempts to establish a naval base.

*Prussia lacked capabilities to set up administration of a naval base so far from their centralized area.[3]

Prussian Defeat

[edit]

Prussia lacked and failed the capabilities to command their troops far from main land.

Vijaynagar's proximity to the conflict is one the most decisive factors for their victory and dominance over the Prussian trading fleets.

Prussia did not acquire a proper navy during this conflict but rather used trading ships to transport troops through the African Horn.[4]

Treaty of Zanibar (1552)

[edit]

The conflict ended with the Treaty of Zanzibar, signed on August 10, 1552. Terms:

1. Establishment of maritime boundaries and trade agreements.

2. Mutual recognition of sovereignty over respective territories.

3. Establishment of diplomatic relations.[5]

Consequences

[edit]

1. Strengthened Vijayanagara Empire's naval presence in the Indian Ocean.

2. Prussia's trade expansion in Indian ocean halted.

3. Shift in European politics, as Prussia focused on European conflicts.[6]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Sarkar (2024-01-05). Military History of India. Sanage Publishing House Llp. ISBN 978-81-19875-36-8.
  2. ^ Indian Maritime and Shipping History
  3. ^ Sarma, P. Sree Rama (1992). A History of Vijayanagar Empire. Prabhakar Publications.
  4. ^ Sarma, P. Sree Rama (1992). A History of Vijayanagar Empire. Prabhakar Publications. p. 132.
  5. ^ Sarma, P. Sree Rama (1992). A History of Vijayanagar Empire. Prabhakar Publications. p. 176.
  6. ^ Sarkar (2024-01-05). Military History of India. Sanage Publishing House Llp. p. 192. ISBN 978-81-19875-36-8.