Afonso de Albuquerque was persuaded by Timmayya and Mhall Pai Vernekar to launch an attack on Goa rather than undertake a protracted journey to the Red Sea to dismantle the fleet of the Sultan of Egypt. Portuguese historians referred to Timmayya as Timoja. At that time, Goa was governed by Yusuf Adil Shah, the Sultan of Bijapur, and was a crucial site for the Turks and Egyptians who were building ships. Previously, Timmayya had served as a mediator during peace negotiations involving D Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy, who was in conflict with the King of Gersoppa in 1505. Timmayya was instrumental in assisting the Portuguese during the capture of Goa on February 17, 1510, and its subsequent recapture on November 25, 1510. Timoja and Mall Pai Vernekar extended an invitation to the Portuguese to come to Goa, as the Hindu population was facing imminent extinction under the prevailing Muslim empire. At that time, no local Goan leaders were capable of opposing these Muslim rulers.
The allegations of torture and forced conversions in the past are undeniable historical facts, as Vernekar and Timoja compromised their integrity by aligning with the Portuguese to safeguard their business interests. This transpired over many years, all while their affluent families remained silent. There is no agreement on Timmayya's nationality; V T Gune argues that he was a Maratha, although his name may indicate a potential Kannadiga heritage.
João de Barros, a distinguished author, notes that Timmayya had a brother named Chidambara who lived in Goa. Chidambara forced Timmayya to leave the area, deprived him of his rightful inheritance, took his wife, and even contributed to the death of his son. Portuguese historians refer to him as gentio, implying that his religious background was likely Hindu or Jain, as suggested by his brother's name and his marriage to the Princess of Gersoppa. The 15th century in India was marked by numerous kingdoms and principalities engaged in struggles for survival and supremacy. Among these, some leaders were Hindus, while others adhered to Jainism, Buddhism, or Islam. During this period, Hindu and Muslim rulers seldom formed alliances. Timmayya also had personal reasons for aiding Albuquerque in the conquest of Goa; having lost his inheritance to his brother, he hoped that Albuquerque would restore his rights after the capture of Goa.
Following the Portuguese conquest, the Hindu population reasserted itself; however, affluent Hindus showed little concern towards the poor, which facilitated the missionaries' efforts to propagate Catholicism throughout numerous villages in Goa. The villages established during the Old Conquest had very few Hindus remaining, leading to the construction of churches on the foundations of former temples, allowing the newly converted individuals to practice their faith.
It is noteworthy that 514 years ago, in 1510, Portuguese Commander Alfonso de Albuquerque played a crucial role in preserving Hinduism and the economic interests of Hindus in Goa. It is indeed troubling that this act of salvation of the Hindus in the early 16th century is not widely acknowledged.