Contact with Europeans after the arrival of Vasco Da Gama in 1498 gave rise to struggles between colonial and native interests. The Portuguese began to dominate eastern shipping, and the spice-trade in particular. Francisco de Almeida was appointed Viceroy of Portuguese India in 1505, he established his headquarters at Kochi. During his reign, the Portuguese managed to dominate relations with Kochi and established a number of fortresses along the Malabar Coast.the Portuguese suffered severe setbacks due to attacks by Samoothiri Maharaja's forces, especially naval attacks .