Malabar Coast of their orientation to the sea and to maritime commerce, the Malabar coast cities feel very cosmopolitan, and has been home to some of the first groups of Jews, Syrian Christians, Muslims and Anglo-Indians in India. During Ming China's treasure voyages in the early 15th century, Admiral Zheng He's fleet often landed at the Malabar Coast. Soon after, Vasco da Gama landed near Calicut in 1498, establishing a sea route between India and Europe. Portugal became the first of several European maritime empires to grow rich from the spice trade with this area. The Malabar Coast is repeatedly referenced in
HMS Malabar (1804) From November 1806 to January 1807 "Malabar" was in Woolwich being fitted as a 20-gun storeship. In November 1806 she was commissioned under Captain John Temple, and after fitting out sailed for the North Sea. At a court martial on board "Gladiator" at Portsmouth on 1 June 1807, Lieutenant Pennyman Stevenson of "Malabar" was found guilty of neglect of duty and dismissed from the Navy. "Malabar" sailed for the River Plate later that month. "Malabar" was commissioned in May 1808 under J. Henzell (Master). "Lloyd's List" reported on 10 May 1808 that the Portuguese brig "Legeiro" had arrived at Portsmouth.