Looking back at the day Vasco da Gama reached India

On May 20, 1498, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama reached the shores of Calicut after a long sea voyage, marking one of the most significant moments in global maritime history. His journal offers a fascinating glimpse into how Europeans first viewed India’s culture, religion, trade, and people, often through misunderstanding and amazement. (Source: Photo by Wikipedia )

Vasco da Gama Arrived in Calicut After a Difficult Voyage: After 23 days of continuous sailing and storms at sea, Vasco da Gama’s fleet finally reached Calicut on May 18, 1498. He described the coastline as surrounded by “lofty mountains” and bustling with activity. (Source: Photo by Wikipedia )

“We Came in Search of Christians and Spices”: According to the journal, the first words spoken to Da Gama were: “May the devil take thee, what brought you hither?” To this, he famously replied, “We came here in search of Christians and spices!” (Source: Photo by Wikipedia )

He Mistook Hindu Temples for Churches: Da Gama believed India was a Christian kingdom. When taken to a temple, he described it as a “church” and mistook Hindu deities for Christian saints and goddesses like Mother Mary. (Source: Photo by Wikipedia )

The Portuguese Were Fascinated by Local Customs: The journal describes people wearing gold ornaments, traditional clothing, sacred threads, sandalwood paste, and chewing betel leaves called “atambor.” Da Gama was especially struck by the wealth and rituals of the Zamorin’s court. (Source: Photo by Wikipedia )

The Zamorin Was Unimpressed by Portuguese Gifts: Da Gama offered striped cloth, hats, coral, sugar, oil, and honey to the Zamorin of Calicut. But the king’s court reportedly laughed because such gifts seemed insignificant compared to the luxury goods already available in Calicut. (Source: Photo by Wikipedia )

This Voyage Changed Global Trade Forever: Though the first meeting involved cultural misunderstandings and trade tensions, Vasco da Gama’s arrival opened direct sea routes between Europe and India, permanently reshaping global commerce, colonial expansion, and maritime history. (Source: Photo by Wikipedia )