Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, discovered the sea route to India in ______.

Correct option is B

Correct Answer:B. 1498

• Vasco da Gama sailed from Lisbon, Portugal, in 1497, rounding the Cape of Good Hope (Africa).
• His voyage marked the beginning of European colonial expansion in India.
• His arrival led to the Portuguese dominance of Indian Ocean trade.
• He was later appointed Portuguese Viceroy of India in 1524 but died soon after reaching Goa.
• His discovery helped Portugal control the spice trade and establish colonies in India.

Additional Information:

• 1488 (Option A): In this year, Bartolomeu Dias, another Portuguese explorer, became the first European to sail around the Cape of Good Hope, proving that a sea route to the Indian Ocean existed.
  
• 1508 (Option C): This year marks the arrival of Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese viceroy of India, who strengthened Portugd al’s naval dominance in the Indian Ocean.
• 1518 (Option D): By this time, the Portuguese had already established their trading posts in India, and their influence was expanding in Goa and other coastal regions.