Explanation: Vasco da Gama's voyage to Kozhikkod (Calicut) in 1498 is a pivotal event in the history of European exploration and the Age of Discovery. This voyage was the first direct sea route from Europe to India, which had significant implications for trade, colonial expansion, and the global economy.
Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer commissioned by King Manuel I of Portugal to find a sea route to India. The primary motivation for this voyage was to establish a direct trade route for spices, which were highly valued in Europe. Prior to this, the trade in spices was controlled by Arab and Venetian merchants, who used overland routes that were both expensive and time-consuming.
Da Gama's voyage began in 1497, and after a long and arduous journey around the Cape of Good Hope, he reached Kozhikkod in May 1498. This was a significant achievement, as it demonstrated the feasibility of a sea route to India and opened up new possibilities for trade and exploration.
The arrival of Vasco da Gama in Kozhikkod marked the beginning of European maritime trade with India. It led to the establishment of Portuguese trading posts along the Indian coast and eventually to the colonization of parts of India. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a presence in India, and their arrival had far-reaching consequences for the region's political and economic landscape.
Understanding the historical context of Vasco da Gama's voyage is crucial for comprehending the broader implications of European exploration and the Age of Discovery. The date 1498 is significant not only for its historical accuracy but also for its role in shaping the future of global trade and colonialism.
In summary, the correct answer is 1498, as this is the year Vasco da Gama first reached Kozhikkod in Kerala, marking a turning point in the history of European exploration and trade with India.