Question

The First of the Europeans to enter India through the sea route

• A. British
• B. Portuguese
• C. Dutch
• D. French

Hint:

Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in 1498, marking the beginning of European maritime trade and colonial influence in India.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Background of European exploration.
During the 15th century, European countries were searching for new sea routes to Asia in order to expand trade, especially for valuable goods such as spices, silk, and precious stones. The traditional land routes were controlled by Middle Eastern and Ottoman traders, which made trade expensive for Europeans.
Step 2: Discovery of the sea route to India.
The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama successfully discovered a sea route to India by sailing around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. He reached the port of Calicut (Kozhikode) on the southwest coast of India in the year 1498. This marked the first successful arrival of Europeans in India through the sea route.
Step 3: Comparison with other European powers.

• (A) British: The British arrived in India later, mainly through the East India Company in the early 17th century.
• (B) Portuguese: Correct. They were the first Europeans to reach India by sea in 1498 under Vasco da Gama.
• (C) Dutch: The Dutch entered India in the early 17th century mainly for trade purposes.
• (D) French: The French came later and established trading centers such as Pondicherry.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to enter India through the sea route.
Final Answer: Portuguese.