Amir Husayn al-Kurdi held theoretical senior command of the Mamluk fleet, but the command structure was fractured. Malik Ayyaz controlled Diu and served as its senior admiral, while Kunjali Marakkar led the Zamorin of Calicut's fleet. Their local obligations did not always match Husayn's priorities. On the Portuguese side, Timōji served both the Vijayanagara Empire and Portugal, bringing ships, mercenaries, and knowledge of local power struggles. The competing loyalties help explain why a large alliance entered battle without a unified chain of command.
Notable Point · 46:33-50:14
Four commanders and divided loyalties
Amir Husayn held senior command over leaders tied to Diu and Calicut, while Timōji supplied the Portuguese with ships, mercenaries, and local intelligence.