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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE GROWTH OF ARAKANESE IMPERIAL POWER AND PORTUGUESE MERCENARIES ON THE FRINGE OF MAINLAND SOUTHEAST ASIA 1517-1617
Introduction
The Portuguese shipmen were a mere handful…but as they were unopposed on the sea, they found themselves in command of it…But it was not enough to be in command of the sea; some point d’appui on land for trade and refitting was essential…The Arakanese, their wits sharpened by experience, saw that here was one of those chances given to nations and individuals, which if boldly exploited yield a great profit. It seemed that a mutually agreeable understanding could be arranged. While the Portuguese were able to provide mastery of seamanship, with a modern knowledge of arms and fortification, the Arakanese could throw into the bargain territorial concessions and trade openings.
M. S. Collis and San Shwe Bu
The History of the different Kings that reigned in Burma, during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries…is a round of wars and revolts, of treacheries and murders. Its chief interest is derived from the appearance of Europeans upon the scene. Two adventurers, a
Portuguese and a Spaniard, played important parts in Burma during the early years of the seventeenth century. The story of their lives is worth telling. It shows how easily lawless Europeans could establish a rule over timid Asiatics by a display of reckless audacity.
Albert Fytche
These two quotations indicate a controversy over the relationship between the rulers of the Burmese region and the Portuguese mercenaries whom they employed. In order to evaluate the situation adequately, several questions must be answered. Which of the two partners, the Arakanese (the example I have chosen) or the Portuguese mercenaries, was dominant in their relationship and why? If the Arakanese were dominant, then why were two groups of Portuguese mercenaries able to revolt against Arakanese rule during the reign of Min Yazagyi, the king of Arakan? If the Portuguese were dominant, then why were these rebellious mercenaries defeated after a decade or so of independence? There are many difficulties in finding an answer to these questions. I would now like to discuss what these difficulties are and how I propose to overcome these problems.
