Q. Which of the following statements about Vasco-da-Gama are true?

1. He discovered the new and all-sea route from Europe to India.
2. He reached the port of Cochin on May 17, 1498.
3. He was given pompous reception by the ruler of Cochin.
4. He made a second trip to India in 1502.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Answer: 1 and 4
Notes: In fact, it was Vasco-da-Gama, a Portuguese explorer, who had discovered this sea route to India in 1498. The fleet of Vasco-da-Gama had arrived in India on 20 May, 1498 at Kappad near Calicut. Although the foreigners were welcomed with hospitality which included a grand procession, the Zamorin, Manavikraman Raja was unimpressed with the gifts brought by Vasco-da-Gama which included some clothes, hats, corals, sugar, oil and other things. The Indians wondered why there was no gold or silver. In 1502, Vasco-da-Gama made a comeback to India and started naval rivalry with the competing traders and inhabitants. This time he managed to get better concessions for Portuguese traders than his previous visit.

This question is part of UPSC Daily 20 MCQ Series Course on GKToday Android app.