Estevão da Gama was a Portuguese explorer and navigator who is best known for his role in the discovery of the sea route to India. He was born in 1460 in Sines, Portugal, and was the third son of João da Gama, a knight of the royal court. Estevão da Gama was the younger brother of Vasco da Gama, who is widely credited with the discovery of the sea route to India.
Estevão da Gama was a skilled navigator and sailor, and he was chosen to accompany his brother on the voyage to India. He was part of the crew of the ship São Gabriel, which was captained by Vasco da Gama. The voyage began in July 1497 and lasted for two years. During the voyage, Estevão da Gama was responsible for navigating the ship and keeping it on course. He also helped to chart the course of the voyage, which was a difficult task due to the lack of accurate maps and navigational instruments.
The voyage was a success, and the crew arrived in India in May 1498. Estevão da Gama was instrumental in the success of the voyage, and he was rewarded with a knighthood by King Manuel I of Portugal. He was also given the title of “Admiral of the Indian Seas”.
Estevão da Gama returned to Portugal in 1501, and he was appointed as the first Portuguese viceroy of India. He was responsible for establishing Portuguese trading posts in India and for expanding Portuguese influence in the region. He also helped to establish the Portuguese East India Company, which was responsible for the trade between Portugal and India.
Estevão da Gama was a successful viceroy, and he was able to expand Portuguese influence in India. He also helped to establish diplomatic relations with the rulers of the various Indian states. He was also responsible for the construction of several forts and trading posts in India.
Estevão da Gama died in 1524, and he was buried in the Church of St. Francis in Goa, India. He is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of Portuguese exploration and colonization. His legacy lives on in the form of the Portuguese language, which is still spoken in many parts of India.
Estevão da Gama was an important figure in the history of exploration and colonization. He was a skilled navigator and sailor, and he was instrumental in the success of the voyage to India. He was also a successful viceroy, and he helped to expand Portuguese influence in India. His legacy lives on in the form of the Portuguese language, which is still spoken in many parts of India.