Discover the Exciting Journey of Vasco da Gama to India

Who was Vasco da Gama and why is he famous?

Answer:

Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer who became famous for being the first European to sail from Europe to India by circumnavigating the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. His successful voyage opened the way for the lucrative spice trade between Europe and Asia.

Explanation:

Vasco da Gama, born in around 1460, was a renowned navigator and explorer during the Age of Discovery. In 1497, King Manuel I of Portugal sent da Gama on an expedition to find a sea route from Europe to India in order to establish direct trade relations and bypass the Arab intermediaries who controlled the overland trade routes.

Da Gama's historic voyage took him around the treacherous Cape of Good Hope, and after a long and challenging journey, he eventually reached the port of Calicut in India in May 1498. His successful navigation of the Indian Ocean marked a significant milestone in the history of maritime exploration, opening up new trade routes and establishing Portugal as a major player in the global spice trade.

Da Gama's expedition not only brought wealth and influence to Portugal but also paved the way for further European exploration and colonization of distant lands. His legacy as a pioneer of oceanic navigation and a key figure in the Age of Discovery remains firmly established in history.