[1][3] As the head of a dynasty of Muslim privateers or pirates, Kunjali Marakkar was the admiral of the naval forces of the Zamorin of Calicut, usually hostile towards the Portuguese.

[1][4] The Zamorin and the Portuguese Viceroy of India Dom Francisco da Gama therefore concluded a truce and an alliance intended to assault his stronghold, seize or kill Kunjali and reintegrate his territory in the Kingdom of Calicut.

[2] In about 12 December 1599 the renown captain major of the Malabar Coast André Furtado de Mendonça arrived to take over operations from Dom Fernando, bringing reinforcements.

[2] After having personally met with the Zamorin to discuss the campaign, Mendonça tasked 4 light galleys to blockade the mouth of the River Tremapatão to prevent supplies from reaching the fortress through there.

[2] As the siege dragged on, the Portuguese risked the wet monsoon season setting in or the Zamorin negotiating a separate peace in exchange for bribes.

[2] On the 16th March, after two days of negotiations, Mendonça issued an ultimatum whereby he threatened to assault the citadel and slaughter its occupants, which succeeded in forcing Kunjali to surrender.

[2][4] Kunjalis body was cut to pieces and exhibited on the beaches of Panjim and Bardês, while his head was salted and sent to the Portuguese fortress of Cannanore to be displayed there on a standard as a warning to future pirates.