On 8 July 1497, Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama set
 sail on his first voyage, which would eventually lead to the discovery 
of a sea route from Europe to India. Da Gama's expedition was 
commissioned by the Portuguese king, Manuel I, with the objective of 
finding a direct maritime route to India, bypassing the overland routes 
controlled by the Ottoman Empire.
Da Gama 
commanded a fleet of four vessels, including his flagship, the São 
Gabriel, along with the São Rafael, the Berrio, and a supply ship. The 
crew consisted of about 170 men, including sailors, soldiers, and 
interpreters. They departed from Lisbon, Portugal, and embarked on a 
perilous journey across the Atlantic Ocean, along the western coast of 
Africa.
The voyage was fraught with numerous
 challenges, including treacherous weather, unfamiliar territories, and 
scarcity of supplies. The crew faced sickness, hunger, and the loss of 
lives during the voyage. Nevertheless, da Gama's determination and 
navigational skills allowed him to overcome these obstacles.
After
 navigating along the African coast, Vasco da Gama reached the southern 
tip of Africa, which he named the Cape of Good Hope. From there, he 
continued eastward, crossing the Indian Ocean. On 20 May 1498, after 
several months at sea, da Gama's expedition finally made landfall at the
 port of Calicut (now Kozhikode) on the southwestern coast of India.
This
 significant achievement established the first direct sea route from 
Europe to India, opening up lucrative trade opportunities and 
solidifying Portugal's position as a major maritime power. Da Gama's 
successful voyage paved the way for subsequent Portuguese expeditions 
and the establishment of Portuguese colonies and trading posts 
throughout the Indian Ocean, shaping the course of history in the Age of
 Exploration