Vasco da Gama set sail from Lisbon, Portugal, on his second voyage to India on 10 February 1502. This expedition was a continuation of the efforts to establish direct sea routes to the lucrative spice trade in India and to strengthen Portugal's presence in the Indian Ocean.
During his first voyage (1497–1499), Vasco da Gama had successfully reached Calicut (Kozhikode) on the southwestern coast of India, opening a sea route that avoided the overland routes controlled by Arab and Venetian traders. The second voyage aimed to consolidate Portuguese influence and secure trade agreements.
Key points about Vasco da Gama's second voyage:
Objectives: The primary objectives of the second voyage were to establish trade alliances, secure favorable agreements with local rulers, and expand Portuguese influence in the Indian Ocean region.
Conflict and Diplomacy: The journey was marked by both conflict and diplomacy. Vasco da Gama encountered resistance from Muslim traders who opposed Portuguese efforts to dominate the spice trade. At the same time, he established alliances with certain Hindu rulers.
Calicut and Quilon: Vasco da Gama revisited Calicut and engaged in diplomatic efforts. However, the relations soured, leading to conflict. He then proceeded to Quilon (Kollam), where he managed to secure a trade agreement.
Return to Portugal: After completing diplomatic and trade missions along the Indian coast, Vasco da Gama returned to Portugal in September 1503.
Vasco da Gama's voyages were instrumental in establishing a direct maritime route from Europe to India, contributing to the Age of Exploration and opening up the sea route to the East for subsequent European powers. These journeys had a profound impact on global trade and the establishment of European maritime empires.
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