- 1. In the late 15th century, the era of exploration was in full swing, and among the most notable figures of this time was the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama, who became the first European to reach India by sea. His historic journey began in 1497 when he was appointed by King Manuel I of Portugal to find a maritime route to the East, specifically to the lucrative spice markets of India. Setting sail from Lisbon with a fleet of four ships, da Gama navigated down the west coast of Africa, rounding the treacherous Cape of Good Hope and continuing up the eastern coast. After many challenges, including hostile encounters, navigational difficulties, and harsh weather, he successfully crossed the Indian Ocean and arrived on the shores of Calicut, on the southwestern coast of India, in May 1498. This momentous landing marked a pivotal point in global trade, as da Gama's voyage opened a direct sea route that would enable Europe to establish trade relations with India and other parts of Asia, fundamentally changing the course of history and leading to an age of colonialism and increased maritime exploration.
When did Vasco de Gama reach India by sea?
A) 1525
B) 1510
C) 1498
D) 1475
- 2. Which country did Vasco de Gama sail from to reach India?
A) England
B) France
C) Spain
D) Portugal
- 3. What was the name of Vasco de Gama's flagship during his journey to India?
A) São Gabriel
B) Victoria
C) Mayflower
D) Santa Maria
- 4. Which city in India did Vasco de Gama first reach?
A) Goa
B) Chennai
C) Calicut
D) Mumbai
- 5. Who was the ruler of Calicut when Vasco de Gama arrived?
A) Maharaja
B) Zamorin
C) Sultan
D) Emperor
- 6. Which sea route did Vasco de Gama take to reach India?
A) Suez Canal
B) Strait of Gibraltar
C) Cape of Good Hope
D) Panama Canal
- 7. Who financed Vasco de Gama's expedition to India?
A) Pope Alexander VI
B) King Manuel I of Portugal
C) Marco Polo
D) Queen Isabella of Spain
- 8. What valuable spice did Vasco de Gama hope to find in India?
A) Saffron
B) Nutmeg
C) Pepper
D) Cinnamon
- 9. How many ships did Vasco de Gama command on his journey to India?
A) 2
B) 6
C) 1
D) 4
- 10. Which trading company benefited greatly from Vasco de Gama's discovery of the sea route to India?
A) Dutch East India Company
B) British East India Company
C) French East India Company
D) Portuguese East India Company
- 11. What was the predominant religion in India at the time of Vasco de Gama's arrival?
A) Christianity
B) Islam
C) Hinduism
D) Buddhism
- 12. Which ocean did Vasco de Gama cross to reach India?
A) Indian Ocean
B) Arctic Ocean
C) Pacific Ocean
D) Atlantic Ocean
- 13. What valuable commodity did Vasco de Gama seek in India?
A) Spices
B) Silk
C) Gold
D) Salt
- 14. Which explorer's voyage inspired Vasco de Gama to seek a sea route to India?
A) Bartolomeu Dias
B) Christopher Columbus
C) Magellan
D) Amerigo Vespucci
- 15. Which technological advancement aided Vasco de Gama's navigation to India?
A) GPS
B) Astrolabe
C) Compass
D) Sextant
- 16. What kind of ship was São Gabriel?
A) Man-of-war
B) Frigate
C) Galleon
D) Caravel
- 17. During Vasco de Gama's voyage to India, what did his crew suffer from?
A) Frostbite
B) Malaria
C) Sunburn
D) Scurvy
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