Question

Which Portuguese sailor discovered the sea-route to India?
A) Vasco da Gama
B) Bartholomew Diaz
C)Ferdinand Magellan
D)Christopher Columbus

Answer 1

Hint: Many explorers wanted to explore India because of its prime location. Also India had a wide range of goods that could boost trade and commerce of any country.

Complete answer: Option A- In July 1497; Vasco da Gama, sailed from Portugal, Lisbon and anchored at Malindi on the east coast of South Africa via Cape of Good Hope. With the help of an Indian merchant from Kenya; he reached Calicut, India on May 20 1498. Spices, gold and other riches attracted various explorers to India, these goods were valuable in Europe but they had to travel or sail long ways over sea and land to acquire them in Asia. Hence, Europeans were keen on finding a faster way to reach India by sailing around South Africa. This ocean route was significant in establishing a permanent route from Europe to India but also ensured Portugal monopoly over trade of valuable goods. Vasco da Gama was adorned with the title of “ Dom” by the King Manuel of Portugal, he changed the face of the subcontinent in many ways.

Option B- Bartholomeo Diaz, was a great Portuguese explorer, who explored the Atlantic during the 15th century and led the first European expedition to round the Cape of Good hope. This is an incorrect option.

Option C- Ferdinand Magellan, organized the Spanish expedition to the East Indies from 1519-1522, he was also a reputed Portuguese explorer.

Option D- Christopher Columbus, an Italian navigator led to the colonization of the Americans and completed four voyages across the Atlantic ocean.

So, the correct answer is option a.

Note: Portugal went on to colonize parts of India and became a significant trading partner. However, with other voyagers exploring India Portuguese were suppressed by other European powers but this discovery of the sea route to India is known as “Age of discovery”.