23 Questions
Where was Vasco da Gama born?
Sines
What order was Vasco da Gama's father a member of?
Order of Santiago
Who became increasingly fond of Vasco da Gama?
John the Second of Portugal
What was one of the top priorities of John the Second of Portugal?
Expansion of the royal treasury
What was the outcome of the 4th India Armada led by da Gama?
Da Gama bombarded Calicut and committed atrocities after his demands were denied.
What was the consequence of da Gama's approach towards Muslims in Calicut?
Da Gama wreaked havoc and demanded the expulsion of all Muslims from Calicut.
What led to da Gama's decline in status as a Portuguese hero?
His prioritization of personal agenda over the Portuguese crown's interests.
What was the final outcome of da Gama's last journey to India?
Da Gama contracted Malaria and passed away in 1524.
What was the significance of Vasco da Gama's first trip to India?
It played a vastly important role for the future of Portuguese trade and European exploration.
What was the final title bestowed upon Vasco da Gama?
Count of Vidiguiera and Viceroy.
What was the reason for da Gama's decline in status as a Portuguese hero?
His focus on personal agenda over the interests of the Portuguese crown.
What was the consequence of da Gama's approach towards Muslims in Calicut?
Da Gama wreaked havoc and demanded the expulsion of all Muslims from Calicut.
What prompted King John II of Portugal to seek an alternative route to India?
Dominance of the spice trade in Asia by the Venetians
When did Vasco da Gama set sail from Lisbon on his journey to India?
July 8, 1497
Where did Vasco da Gama's fleet make landfall before reaching Malindi?
Mozambique Island
Who did Vasco da Gama and his fleet encounter hostility from before finding hospitality at Malindi?
Mombasa
Where did Vasco da Gama's fleet make landfall near on May 20, 1498?
Calicut
What was the outcome of the expedition to India led by Vasco da Gama?
Proved that India could be reached via the sea around Africa
What hindered the return journey of Vasco da Gama's fleet?
Monsoon winds
How many ships and crewmen returned to Portugal from Vasco da Gama's expedition to India?
2 ships and 55 crewmen
What did Vasco da Gama bring back from India?
Indian spices
What was established as a result of Vasco da Gama's achievement?
Portuguese India Armadas for trade opportunities
Who led the second expedition through da Gama's new route in 1500?
Pedro Alvares Cabral
Study Notes
Vasco da Gama's Journey to India
- The spice trade in Asia was dominated by the Venetians, prompting King John II of Portugal to seek an alternative route via Africa to India.
- Preparations for the journey included sending spies overland and a captain by boat to confirm the feasibility of the route.
- On July 8, 1497, Vasco da Gama set sail from Lisbon with a fleet of four ships and 170 crewmen, including experienced navigators.
- The fleet followed a route around Africa, making landfall at Mozambique Island and facing hostility before reaching Malindi.
- Da Gama and his fleet encountered hostility at Mombasa before finding hospitality at Malindi, where they acquired an experienced pilot to guide them to Calicut, India.
- The fleet made landfall near Calicut on May 20, 1498, but faced strained relations with the local king, Zamorin, and rival traders.
- Despite challenges, the expedition proved that India could be reached via the sea around Africa, but it failed to secure a commercial treaty with the King of Calicut.
- The return journey was hindered by monsoon winds, taking 109 days longer than the initial voyage, with only two of the four ships and 55 crewmen returning to Portugal.
- Da Gama's achievement was celebrated, and he brought back Indian spices, leading to the establishment of the Portuguese India Armadas for trade opportunities.
- The Portuguese India Armadas, sailing through da Gama's new route, became an annual occurrence, with the second expedition led by Pedro Alvares Cabral in 1500 to secure a treaty with Zamorin.
Test your knowledge of Vasco da Gama's historic journey to India with this quiz. Learn about the challenges, encounters, and achievements of the Portuguese explorer as he sought a sea route to the lucrative spice trade in Asia.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
