Who discovered the sea route to India?

Question

This is an important world-history question that often appears in Indian exams. The discovery of the sea route to India opened a new chapter in global trade, colonial expansion and maritime exploration. But who achieved this major breakthrough?

Answer 1

The sea route to India was discovered by Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, in 1498. His expedition successfully reached the Indian port of Calicut (modern-day Kozhikode, Kerala) after sailing around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. This discovery established direct trade between Europe and India, bypassing the land routes controlled by Middle Eastern powers.

Answer 2

This sea route transformed global commerce and marked the beginning of European influence in India. Portugal soon established trading posts on the western coast, including Goa. For history exams, remember: Discoverer – Vasco da Gama, Year – 1498, First Landing – Calicut, Kerala.