Which Portuguese figure has been described in Indian accounts as a monster in human disguise who had no bowels of compassion?

Introduction / Context:
This question relates to early European contact with India, particularly the Portuguese arrival by sea. Indian chroniclers sometimes used strong moral language to describe European captains whose actions they experienced as cruel or ruthless. One such description refers to a Portuguese captain as a monster in human disguise without compassion. Matching this phrase to the correct historical figure helps learners recall how Indian sources viewed early European visitors.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The description is monster in human disguise with no bowels of compassion.
• The figure is a Portuguese leader involved in India.
• Options include Vasco da Gama, Albuquerque, Almeida, and Joao de Castro.

Concept / Approach:
Vasco da Gama was the first Portuguese captain to reach India by the Cape route and later returned to the Indian Ocean, often using harsh measures to enforce Portuguese interests. Some Indian records strongly criticise his methods, including burning ships with passengers. Albuquerque and Almeida also used force but are differently remembered, and Joao de Castro appears later. The phrase monster in human disguise is most commonly associated with Vasco da Gama in nationalist and regional accounts.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the description implies extreme cruelty and inhuman behaviour. Step 2: Recall historical accounts of Vasco da Gama s later voyages, where he ordered brutal acts against merchant ships. Step 3: Recognise that Indian chroniclers and later writers singled out Vasco da Gama for such condemnations. Step 4: Distinguish this from Albuquerque, who is remembered more as an empire builder and administrator despite his violence. Step 5: Conclude that Vasco da Gama best fits the quoted description.

Verification / Alternative check:
Indian historical narratives and some secondary works explicitly use language similar to monster in human disguise for Vasco da Gama due to his orders against non combatant pilgrims. Checking biographies of Portuguese captains confirms that this phrase is not standardly attached to the others listed in the options.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Albuquerque and Almeida were also harsh but are more often described in terms of their strategic and administrative roles, not specifically with this phrase. Joao de Castro came later and is not associated with such extreme condemnation in standard texts.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may lump all Portuguese captains together as equally cruel and guess randomly, or they may associate all negative descriptions with any well known name. It is important to remember this specific phrase is linked most strongly with Vasco da Gama.

Final Answer:
The Portuguese captain described as a monster in human disguise with no bowels of compassion was Vasco da Gama.