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VASCO DE GAMA'S FIRST VOYAGE TO INDIA: SOME FACTS

Ever wondered how #Goa became a famous #spicehub?

It all started with a crazy #adventure by #VascodaGama, an explorer from #Portugal who had nerves of steel.


Back in those days, when the coolest gadget anybody could have use to be a #sundial, da Gama set sail on a mission unlike any other. His agenda? To find a secret sea route to India, a land overflowing with treasures like cinnamon, cloves and pepper.


His fleet consisted of just #four ships, carrying a crew of about 170 - too small a number for such a big adventure!


Facing rough seas and #unknowndangers, the crew use to plant special #stonepillars called "padrões" to mark their territory.

The distance da Gama's fleet travelled was even more than the Earth's circumference! Their #journey likely exceeded 24,000 nautical miles (over 44,000 km).


The fleet arrived in #Kappadu near #Calicut on the Malabar Coast (present-day #Kerala state of India) on 20 May 1498.


The discovery of a new #searoute from Europe to India, which had previously been a long and arduous journey by land, increased #Portuguese #trade and #commerce in the region. India's #spicetrade, particularly in pepper, cinnamon and cloves, benefited from this new route, leading to an increase in wealth and #economic activity. Additionally, European language, #literature and #culture were introduced to India, leaving a lasting impact on India's social and cultural fabric.

However, this also led to the establishment of #EastIndiaCompany, who formed #alliance with and learned from the Portuguese to establish foothold in India.


This is the story of India's discovery!!!


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