Which country did Vasco da Gama represent on his voyage to reach India?

Which country did Vasco da Gama represent on his voyage to reach India?

• A. Spain
• B. Portugal
• C. England
• D. France

Answer: (B)

Vasco da Gama’s voyage was funded and led by Portugal, so he represented the Portuguese crown. In the late 1400s, Portugal was actively seeking a direct sea route to India to access spices and bypass overland routes dominated by intermediaries. Da Gama sailed under Portuguese patronage, rounding Africa’s cape and reaching Calicut in India, which established Portugal as a major maritime power. The other nations listed did not sponsor this expedition, as Spain, England, and France pursued different ventures and timelines.

Vasco da Gama’s voyage was funded and led by Portugal, so he represented the Portuguese crown. In the late 1400s, Portugal was actively seeking a direct sea route to India to access spices and bypass overland routes dominated by intermediaries. Da Gama sailed under Portuguese patronage, rounding Africa’s cape and reaching Calicut in India, which established Portugal as a major maritime power. The other nations listed did not sponsor this expedition, as Spain, England, and France pursued different ventures and timelines.