Dona Maria: The First Women Commander of Portuguese Army

In the colorful history of Portugal, the story of Maria Úrsula de Abreu e Lencastre, also known as Dona Maria, is a remarkable example of courage and innovation. Maria was born in 1682 in Rio de Janeiro, which was part of Portuguese Brazil at the time. Even as a young girl, she was known for her adventurous spirit and fearlessness. She went from being a young dreamer to a respected military commander, showed great bravery and smart thinking. She challenged the rules of her society that said women couldn’t take on certain roles or lead men in battle. Through her actions, Maria proved that she could lead and make smart decisions, earning respect and recognition for her leadership and courage.

The world she grew up in was one where stories of battle and strategy were often the backdrop of evening conversations. It was these tales, echoing through her family’s grand home, that kindled in Maria a deep passion for military history—a passion quite unusual for a young woman of her rank.

As she got older, this passion shaped into a solid ambition to join the military. But in the 17th century, society had firmly set ideas about where a woman should stand, and the battlefield was certainly not one of those places. Everywhere Maria looked, it seemed her dreams were blocked by the era’s rigid gender roles.

However, Maria wasn’t one to accept the status quo, especially not when it came to giving up her dreams. The more she was told ‘no’, the stronger her resolve grew. She knew direct entry into the military was impossible—as a woman, that door was firmly closed. So, she decided if the front door wasn’t open, maybe the side window was.

With a plan as daring as any battlefield maneuver, she transformed herself into Balthazar do Conto Cardoso. She cut her hair, traded her gowns for uniforms, and mastered the way the young men of her time walked and talked. Every detail had to be perfect for her to blend in, unnoticed, among the soldiers.

Under this new identity, Maria enlisted in the military in 1700. It was a whole new world, one where every day was a test of her resolve and her ability to maintain her disguise.Her time in the military was marked by constant challenges. She had to prove herself repeatedly in an environment dominated by men and skeptical of her presence. But Maria thrived. As Balthazar, she wasn’t just meeting expectations; she was setting them. Her sharp strategic mind and natural leadership shone through, winning her the respect of her peers and superiors.

Maria’s rise through the ranks was marked by significant accomplishments. Her strategic acumen and leadership were evident during a turbulent period in Portugal’s history, particularly in Portuguese India. The most notable moment came when she led a battalion in a critical campaign, achieving key victories that shifted the conflict’s outcome. Her leadership, characterized by both empathy and firmness, won her the deep loyalty of her troops.

However, Maria’s disguise could only last so long. During a fierce battle, severe injuries forced her to a field hospital, where she unexpectedly revealed her true identity. The medics, taken aback by the discovery, quickly informed their superiors. The news of Maria’s real identity spread rapidly through the ranks, causing shock and admiration.

Military leaders initially reacted with mixed opinions. Some expressed concern about the implications of her deception, while others deeply admired her achievements. Her fellow soldiers, who had fought beside her, supported her, highlighting that her skills and bravery were what truly mattered.

Rather than punishing Maria, the military chose to honor her remarkable service. She was celebrated for her courage and leadership in a public ceremony that acknowledged her contributions to Portugal’s military history. The public response was overwhelmingly positive, with many viewing her as a symbol of breaking barriers and challenging gender norms.

After retiring from military life, Maria continued to advocate for women’s rights and education. She established programs to empower young women, encouraging them to pursue their ambitions and overcome societal obstacles. Her efforts had a lasting impact, inspiring future generations and paving the way for greater gender equality.

Maria Úrsula de Abreu e Lencastre’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of challenging societal constraints. Her journey—from a daring disguise to becoming a respected military leader and a beacon of change—remains an inspiring example of courage and determination. Throughout her life, Maria broke barriers and achieved her dreams, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate and inspire.

-Ritika Soni, MA Eng. Lit., writes about literature, women, life, and mental health.