Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer who is credited with being the first European to reach India by sea. He was born in 1460 in Sines, Portugal, and was the third son of Estêvão da Gama, a knight of the royal court. He was educated in the court of King John II, and was trained in navigation and warfare.
At the age of 25, Vasco da Gama was appointed by King Manuel I of Portugal to lead an expedition to find a sea route to India. The Portuguese had been trading with India for some time, but the route was long and dangerous, involving a journey around the Cape of Good Hope. Da Gama was chosen for his knowledge of navigation and his courage.
In July 1497, da Gama set sail from Lisbon with four ships and a crew of 170 men. After a difficult journey, they reached the Cape of Good Hope in November. From there, they sailed along the east coast of Africa, eventually reaching the port of Malindi in Kenya. Here, they were able to hire an Arab navigator, who guided them across the Indian Ocean to the port of Calicut in India.
Da Gama arrived in Calicut in May 1498, and was welcomed by the local ruler, the Zamorin. He was given permission to trade, and the Portuguese were able to purchase spices, cotton, and other goods. Da Gama returned to Portugal in September 1499, bringing with him a cargo of valuable spices and other goods.
The success of da Gama’s voyage opened up a new era of trade between Europe and India. The Portuguese were able to establish trading posts in India, and the profits from the spice trade made Portugal one of the wealthiest nations in Europe.
Da Gama was rewarded for his success with a knighthood and the title of Admiral of the Indian Seas. He was also appointed Viceroy of India, and was given the task of establishing Portuguese colonies in India. He returned to India in 1502, and spent the next two years exploring the coast and establishing trading posts.
In 1524, da Gama returned to Portugal, where he died two years later. He was buried in the Church of Santa Maria de Belém in Lisbon.
Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India was a major event in world history. It opened up a new era of trade between Europe and Asia, and made Portugal one of the wealthiest nations in Europe. Da Gama’s legacy lives on in the many monuments and memorials that have been erected in his honor. He is remembered as one of the greatest explorers of all time, and his voyage to India will always be remembered as one of the most important events in world history.