1776 Spanish Visit: Sketches

 Gomez’s Relación de Mangalore  contains four sketches.

One drawing depicts the ceremonial reception given by Haidar’s admiral for the Spanish commander and other officials. The heading reads: “The way in which Prince Engri, the grand admiral of Nawab Hyder Ali’s armada of the Mangalorian department received and dispached the visit of the commander and other officials of the frigate Rey de la Deseada on 18 April 1776.” The admiral (1) is seated on a carpet at the top centre.  Behind him stands the commander of the Guard holding a stick (2), while a domestic servant stands in front gentle waving a large fan (3). The Spanish party, consisting of the commander (Gómez) and four officials, is seated on a row of chairs (4) on the admiral’s left side. Opposite them, seated on the floor on carpets, are five chiefs of Haidar Ali’s squadron (5). The Spaniards are shown being looked after by Indian servants. One rubs the neck of each Spaniard with jasmines (6), one carries a carafe of rose water (7), and the last rubs sandalwood oil on their chests (8). Betel nut trays (9) are placed on tables on either side of the admiral, and beside them stand interpreters (10), one from each party.

In the second drawing, the host and guests are seated on chairs watching a dance and acrobat performance put up by local females (9, 10, 11). Four musicians (9) play a cymbal, drum, stringed instrument, and a flute. The audience consists of a the Brahman (1), the commander of the Brahman’s Guard (2), the commander of the Fragata Deseada, Miguel Antonio Gómez, the host (3), the governor of Mangalore, in Muslim style robe (4). Seated on the right are commanders of the Persian (5), Arab (6), and Haidar Ali’s (7) warships.

In both sketches, the Spaniards are shown dressed in blue, the colour of Bourbon Spain’s elite military uniforms in the eighteenth century.

A third sketch is of the goddess Gowri (Govari). The text describes the deity as an “idol”adored by a certain indigenous caste called Gauri who were said to be descendants of the ancient Persians, who fled their country when it was Islamised. 

The last is of Ganesha (Ganezo) who was worshipped by the “gentiles” in a ritual/procession held at the fourth day of the September moon.