This Week in History

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CWA # 1339, 2 June 2024
This Week in History
20 May 1948: Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer lands in Calicut in India’s west coast

  LS Hareesh

On May 20, 1498, Vasco da Gama, an explorer from Portugal, reached the shores of Kozhikode in Kerala, marking a significant milestone in history as it was the first successful European sea voyage to India. The aftermath of his visit witnessed diverse responses on the West Coast of India and set the stage for subsequent expeditions from Europe, ultimately leading to far-reaching consequences that reshaped the global order.

The search for a sea route to India
Before da Gama's expedition, many efforts had been made to establish a direct trade route to India, a land renowned for its abundant spices and wealth. The demand for Indian goods, especially spices, was immense within Europe, as these valuable commodities served as essential preservatives during the harsh winters. Most trade with India took place either through a costly land route or via Arab merchants who transported the goods to Venetians, who then distributed them throughout Europe. However, the capture of Constantinople by the Ottomans in 1453 had a substantial impact on the trade routes of Venice and Genoa. In response to this challenge, King Manuel I of Portugal authorized Vasco da Gama's expedition and appointed him as the leader and captain of the fleet.

Vasco da Gama’s expedition set sail from Lisbon on 08 July 1497, with four ships and 170 men, with da Gama commanding the São Gabriel. The journey was arduous, with the crew encountering difficulties like scurvy and challenging sailing conditions. During the voyage, da Gama's crew interacted with local tribes near the southern tip of Africa and received guidance from an Indian individual in Kenya, who provided valuable information about the monsoons.

20 May 1498: Vasco da Gama arrives in Calicut
On 20 May 1498, his fleet reached Kappad, a region near Kozhikode in present-day India. Upon their arrival, the locals greeted them warmly. However, their reception was not as favorable with the reigning Zamorin (Samuthiri Raja) of Calicut, who was the ruler of the area at the time.

The Zamorin had high expectations for the Portuguese, hoping to see valuable gifts like gold or silver brought. However, the Portuguese expedition did not carry such precious commodities. This disappointed the Zamorin, as he saw their arrival as an opportunity for profitable trade.

Furthermore, it was customary for foreign traders to pay customs duties to establish a commercial treaty with the Zamorin. However, da Gama refused to comply with this requirement, which created a hurdle in their negotiations. His refusal to pay the customs duties was possibly due to his perceived superiority or lack of understanding of local customs.

As a result of da Gama's unwillingness to pay customs duties and his lack of valuable gifts, the Portuguese were unable to secure a commercial treaty with the Zamorin during their initial encounter. This impasse marked a setback for their planned trade relations with the region.

The legacy of Vasco da Gama
In August 1498, Vasco da Gama and his expedition embarked on their journey back to Lisbon, Portugal. Da Gama was hailed as a hero for accomplishing the unprecedented feat of finding a direct sea route from Europe to India. One of the reasons for the recognition and acclaim was the valuable cargo that the expedition brought back from India. Although the initial aim of the voyage was to establish trade relations, the Portuguese were successful in obtaining goods that proved to be highly profitable. The cargo included spices, such as pepper, cinnamon, and cloves, which were in high demand in Europe and commanded premium prices. Additionally, they acquired other valuable items like precious metals, gemstones, textiles, and exotic goods.

The value of the cargo that Vasco da Gama and his crew brought back was reportedly more than 60 times the cost of the expedition. This immense profit elevated da Gama's reputation and contributed to the overall success of the voyage. The successful return and the significant profits from the cargo solidified Portugal's interest in pursuing further voyages and establishing a lucrative trade empire in the East. It also sparked a period of intense Portuguese exploration and colonization, ultimately leading to the establishment of a vast empire that spanned continents.

The successful voyage of Vasco da Gama to India in 1498 indeed played a pivotal role in European colonization of the Indian subcontinent. It opened up new possibilities for trade and exploration, prompting subsequent Portuguese expeditions and establishing their presence in the region.

Following da Gama's voyage, the Portuguese recognized the immense potential for trade and prosperity in India. They sought to establish a stronghold in the region and expand their influence. Consequently, they began to establish trading posts and forts along the Indian coastline. Goa, the largest and most significant Portuguese colony in India, was established as a central base for their operations. It became a hub for trade and commerce, attracting merchants from all over Europe. Over time, the Portuguese extended their control to other parts of the subcontinent, including regions on the western and eastern coasts.

Portuguese rule in Goa lasted for over four centuries, during which they sought to monopolize trade and exploit the region's resources. This colonization had a profound impact on the culture, architecture, and society of Goa, leaving behind a lasting Portuguese influence that can still be seen today.

However, British ambitions in the Indian subcontinent eventually led to their dominance over the Portuguese. As the British East India Company gained power and influence, they gradually encroached upon Portuguese territories. In the early 19th century, the British took control of Goa's neighboring territories, leaving the Portuguese confined to the Goa region.

Finally, in 1961, the Indian army liberated Goa from Portuguese rule during the military operation known as "Operation Vijay." This marked the end of Portuguese colonization in India and the integration of Goa into independent India.

The discovery of the sea route to India by Vasco da Gama is widely regarded as a momentous event in the Age of Discovery. It not only revolutionized trade and exploration but also paved the way for European colonization of the Indian subcontinent. The Portuguese colonization of Goa and other parts of India laid the foundation for subsequent British dominance and ultimately played a significant role in shaping the history and future of the region.

About the Author
LS Hareesh is a Doctoral Scholar at the Department of History, Loyola College, Chennai.

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