Explanation: Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer who made a significant voyage to India in 1498. This journey was part of the Age of Discovery, a period of European exploration and expansion that began in the late 15th century. The primary goal of this voyage was to find a sea route to India, which would allow Portugal to establish direct trade with the East, bypassing the overland Silk Road and the control of the Ottoman Empire.
Vasco da Gama's voyage was not the first attempt to reach India by sea. Earlier explorers, such as Christopher Columbus, had attempted to find a western route to the East, but they had instead discovered the Americas. Vasco da Gama's voyage was the first successful attempt to reach India by sailing around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa.
The voyage began in 1497 when Vasco da Gama set sail from Lisbon with four ships. After a long and arduous journey, he reached the coast of India in 1498. This voyage was significant not only for its historical importance but also for the economic and political changes it brought about. The establishment of a sea route to India led to increased trade and the eventual colonization of parts of India by European powers.
Understanding the historical context of Vasco da Gama's voyage is crucial for comprehending the broader implications of the Age of Discovery. The voyage marked the beginning of a new era of global trade and exploration, which had far-reaching consequences for the world's economies and cultures. The year 1498 is a key date in the history of India and the world, and it is important to remember this date for its historical significance.
In summary, the correct answer is 1498, as this is the year Vasco da Gama successfully navigated the sea route to India, opening up new trade routes and leading to increased European influence in the Indian Ocean. This voyage was a pivotal moment in the Age of Discovery and had a profound impact on global trade and exploration.