The Age Of Discovery - Vasco Da Gama

Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese nobleman, was appointed by King Manuel I to lead a fleet to India to break the Arab trade monopoly in the Indian Ocean. In 1497, he embarked on a journey with four ships, navigating around the Cape of Good Hope and up the East African coast. With the help of a local pilot, he reached Southern India, where he faced resistance from local rulers and Muslim leaders. Despite initial challenges, the Portuguese eventually gained control of the Indian Ocean through the use of broadside artillery, allowing them to dominate trade routes. Da Gama was honored with the title Lord of the Conquest, Navigation, and Commerce of India, Arabia, and Persia.

Who appointed Vasco da Gama as the fleet commander to the Eastern kingdoms?

• King Henry the Navigator

• King Philip II

• King Manuel I

• King John II

What was the primary challenge Vasco da Gama faced upon reaching Southern India?

• Lack of navigational maps

• Hostile weather conditions

• Shortage of supplies

• Suspicion and reluctance from local rulers

Which port did Vasco da Gama reach to acquire a pilot for his journey to India?

• Port of Lisbon

• Port of Goa

• Port of Calicut

• Port of Malindi

How did the Portuguese eventually gain control over the Indian Ocean?

• Through the introduction of broadside artillery

• By establishing trade agreements

• Through diplomatic negotiations

• By forming alliances with local rulers

What title was bestowed upon Vasco da Gama by the King of Portugal?

• Lord of the Conquest, Navigation, and Commerce of India, Arabia, and Persia

• Lord of the Seas

• Commander of the Eastern Trade

• Admiral of the Fleet