António de Andrade

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António de Andrade (1580 – 19 March 1634) was a Portuguese Jesuit priest, missionary, and explorer. He is notable for being one of the first Europeans to enter Tibet and for his efforts in establishing a Christian mission in the region.

Early Life

António de Andrade was born in Oleiros, in the Kingdom of Portugal in 1580. He joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1596 and was ordained as a priest. Andrade was sent to the Portuguese colony of Goa in 1600, where he worked in various capacities, including as a teacher and missionary.

Mission to Tibet

In 1624, António de Andrade embarked on a journey to Tibet from Agra, accompanied by another Jesuit, Brother Manuel Marques. They traveled through the Himalayas, enduring harsh conditions and high altitudes. Andrade and Marques reached the town of Tsaparang in the Guge Kingdom, located in western Tibet.

Establishment of the Mission

Upon arrival in Tsaparang, Andrade and Marques were received by the local king, who allowed them to establish a mission. Andrade's reports of his journey and the mission's establishment were among the first detailed European accounts of Tibet. He described the region's geography, culture, and religion, providing valuable information to Europeans about this remote area.

Later Life and Death

After establishing the mission in Tibet, António de Andrade returned to Goa to gather more resources and personnel for the mission. He made several trips between Goa and Tibet, working tirelessly to support the mission. However, the mission faced numerous challenges, including resistance from local religious authorities and political instability.

António de Andrade died in Goa on 19 March 1634. Despite the eventual decline of the mission in Tibet, his pioneering efforts opened the way for future interactions between Europe and Tibet.

Legacy

António de Andrade is remembered for his adventurous spirit and dedication to his missionary work. His accounts of Tibet provided Europeans with some of the earliest detailed descriptions of the region, contributing to the broader understanding of Asian geography and cultures.

See Also

• Jesuit missions
• Portuguese India
• Tibet
• Society of Jesus