The mainland of South India was discovered by Vasco da Gama in 1498.
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As an expert in history, I can provide a detailed answer to the question of who discovered the mainland of South India in 1498. Based on my knowledge and expertise, I can confidently state that the mainland of South India was indeed discovered by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498.
Vasco da Gama, a prominent figure in the Age of Discovery, embarked on a historic voyage with the goal of establishing a sea route from Europe to India. He set sail from Lisbon, Portugal, on July 8, 1497, and after a challenging journey, he arrived at the port of Calicut (now Kozhikode) on the southwestern coast of India on May 20, 1498.
This voyage marked a significant milestone as it opened up a direct maritime route from Europe to India, circumventing the overland routes through the Middle East, which were controlled by Islamic powers at the time. Vasco da Gama’s discovery was a turning point in history, as it established a direct trade connection between Europe and the lucrative markets of India and ultimately led to the Portuguese dominance in the Indian Ocean trade for several decades.
To emphasize the significance of this discovery, let me quote the renowned historian Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, who said, “Gama’s voyage was a landmark not only in the history of explorations but also in the history of trade. It opened the door to a new era of global commerce.”
Here are some interesting facts related to the discovery of the mainland of South India by Vasco da Gama:
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Vasco da Gama’s expedition was sponsored by King Manuel I of Portugal, who sought to bypass the monopolistic control of the spice trade by the Venetians and Arab merchants.
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Gama’s voyage took approximately ten months, and his crew faced numerous hardships including disease, supply shortages, and encounters with hostile locals and Arab traders along the way.
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The arrival of Vasco da Gama in India sparked a new era of European colonialism and Portuguese influence in the region. The Portuguese established numerous trading posts, forts, and settlements along the Indian coastline.
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The Portuguese dominance in the Indian Ocean trade eventually declined due to competition from other European powers, most notably the Dutch and the British, who later established their own colonial presence in India.
Table:
| Explorer | Vasco da Gama |
| Year of Discovery | 1498 |
| Destination | South India (Calicut) |
| Importance | Opened direct trade route |
| Famous Quote | “Gama’s voyage was a landmark not only in the history of explorations but also in the history of trade. It opened the door to a new era of global commerce.” – Felipe Fernandez-Armesto |
In conclusion, the discovery of the mainland of South India in 1498 can be credited to the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. His voyage not only revolutionized trade between Europe and India but also paved the way for European colonial powers to establish their presence in the Indian subcontinent.
Response video to “Who discovered the mainland of South India in 1498?”
Vasco da Gama was chosen by King John II of Portugal to find a sea route to Asia and bypass the Venetians who dominated the spice trade. After a challenging journey, da Gama reached Mozambique Island and eventually arrived near Calicut, India in 1498. On his return journey, da Gama faced difficulties due to the monsoon winds. Although he failed to secure a treaty with the King of Calicut, da Gama brought back Indian spices and goods, leading to the establishment of the Portuguese India Armadas. Despite his controversial actions, da Gama’s legacy as an explorer was tarnished, but his work had a profound impact on Portuguese trade and European exploration, paving the way for future expeditions and enhancing their trading prowess.
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Who first reached India in 1498?
Answer to this: Vasco da Gama
On 20th May 1498, two years after he set sail from Lisbon, Portugal, Vasco da Gama arrived on the Western sea coast of India at Kozhikode (Calicut), Kerala. This was the first time that a European had arrived in India via the sea. Thus, da Gama is credited with the discovery of the sea route to India.
Who discovered the sea route to in 1498?
Answer to this: The Portuguese discovery of the sea route to India was the first recorded trip directly from Europe to the Indian subcontinent, via the Cape of Good Hope. Under the command of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, it was undertaken during the reign of King Manuel I in 1495–1499.
What did Vasco da Gama find in 1498?
With the help of a local navigator, da Gama was able to cross the Indian Ocean and reach the coast of India at Calicut (now Kozhikode) in May 1498.
Did Vasco da Gama actually discovered India?
Over the course of two voyages, beginning in 1497 and 1502, da Gama landed and traded in locales along the coast of southern Africa before reaching India on May 20, 1498.
Who discovered the sea route to India?
This was the first time that a European had arrived in India via the sea. Thus, da Gama is credited with the discovery of the sea route to India. Many sailors and merchants from the west had tried to discover a sea route to India, a land that was famous for spices and other riches since ancient times.
What is a timeline of Indian history?
Answer to this: This is a timeline of Indian history, comprising important legal and territorial changes and political events in India and its predecessor states. To read about the background to these events, see History of India. See also the list of governors-general of India, list of prime ministers of India and Years in India .
What is the history of southern India?
Response to this: The history of southern India covers a span of over four thousand years during which the region saw the rise and fall of a number of dynasties and empires. The period of known history of southern India begins with the Iron Age (c. 1200 BCE to 200 BCE), Sangam period (c. 600 BCE to 300 CE) and Medieval south India until the 15th century CE.
Who conquered the Indian subcontinent?
The response is: Most of the Indian subcontinent was conquered by the Maurya Empire during the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE. From the 3rd century BCE onwards, Prakrit and Pali literature in the north and Tamil Sangam literature in southern India started to flourish.
Who discovered the sea route to India?
Answer will be: This was the first time that a European had arrived in India via the sea. Thus, da Gama is credited with the discovery of the sea route to India. Many sailors and merchants from the west had tried to discover a sea route to India, a land that was famous for spices and other riches since ancient times.
What is the history of southern India?
The response is: The history of southern India covers a span of over four thousand years during which the region saw the rise and fall of a number of dynasties and empires. The period of known history of southern India begins with the Iron Age (c. 1200 BCE to 200 BCE), Sangam period (c. 600 BCE to 300 CE) and Medieval south India until the 15th century CE.
When did Vasco da Gama discover India?
Answer: Vasco-da-Gama a Portuguese explorer discovered the sea route to India In 1498. After sailing down the western coast of Africa and rounding the Cape of Good Hope, his expedition made numerous stops in Africa before reaching the trading post of Calicut, India, in May 1498. Was this answer helpful?
Who conquered the Indian subcontinent?
Answer will be: Most of the Indian subcontinent was conquered by the Maurya Empire during the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE. From the 3rd century BCE onwards, Prakrit and Pali literature in the north and Tamil Sangam literature in southern India started to flourish.
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