At which place in India did the Portuguese build their first fortress?

Key Fact(s)

The first Portuguese fortress in India was built at Cochin (Kochi) in 1503, soon after the arrival of the Portuguese on the Malabar Coast. Known as Fort Emmanuel, it was constructed with the permission of the local ruler of Cochin, who sought Portuguese support against the Zamorin of Calicut.

The fort symbolized the shift from mere trade to military and political presence of Europeans in India. Cochin’s strategic location made it ideal for controlling the spice trade, especially pepper. This marked the beginning of Portuguese fortification strategy in India and laid the foundation for their colonial expansion along the western coast.