Who was the first Portuguese explorer to reach India in 1498, arriving at Calicut on the Malabar Coast?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Vasco da Gama
Explanation:
· Vasco da Gama reached Calicut (Kozhikode) in 1498, becoming the first Portuguese explorer to discover a direct sea route from Europe to India.
· His arrival marked the beginning of European maritime trade in India.
· He was welcomed by the Zamorin of Calicut but faced competition from Arab traders.
Information Booster:
· Vasco da Gama’s voyage established Portugal’s dominance in the Indian Ocean trade.
· His discovery opened the doorway for future European powers to enter India, including the Dutch, English and French.
Additional Knowledge:
· Option (a) Columbus – Reached the Americas, never India.
· Option (c) Nino-da-Cunha – A later Portuguese governor in India.
· Option (d) Albuquerque – Expanded Portuguese rule but arrived after Vasco da Gama.