In which state would you find the sea coast where Vasco da Gama first landed after discovering the sea route from Europe to India?

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: (C) Kerala
Explanation:
→ Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed on the coast of India on May 20, 1498, arriving at the port of Kappad near Calicut (modern-day Kozhikode).
→ Kozhikode is located in the southwestern state of Kerala, historically celebrated as the Malabar Coast and famous for its spice trade.
→ His successful expedition bypassed the traditional Ottoman-controlled land routes, marking the opening of a direct sea route from Europe to Asia via the Cape of Good Hope.
→ He was received by the local Hindu ruler, known by the title of Zamorin (Samudiri), who permitted trade in precious spices like pepper and cardamom.
Information Booster:
→ Vasco da Gama's historic voyage marked the beginning of European colonial presence in the Indian subcontinent.
→ He set sail from Lisbon, Portugal, in 1197 with a fleet of four ships, including his flagship, the São Gabriel.
→ Kozhikode was historically known as the 'City of Spices' due to its position as a global trading hub for pepper.
→ He made three voyages to India and was appointed as the Governor of Portuguese India with the title of Viceroy in 1524.
→ He died in Cochin (Kochi), Kerala, in 1524 during his third visit, and his remains were later returned to Portugal.