Vasco da Gama: A Sea Route to India — Reading Comprehension

The explorer Vasco da Gama led an important journey in world history. He was born in Portugal in 1460. At that time, people in Europe wanted to find new ways to reach India. India was famous for its spices and silks. But the land route to India was long and dangerous. Merchants wanted a safer and faster way to buy and sell goods.

In 1497, King Manuel of Portugal asked Vasco da Gama to find a sea route to India. Da Gama agreed. He gathered a crew and prepared four ships. They sailed from Lisbon, Portugal, in July 1497. The journey was not easy. The ships sailed down the coast of Africa. They stopped at places to get food and water. The sailors faced storms, sickness, and fear of the unknown.

Vasco da Gama made careful decisions. He listened to local guides in Africa. He used new navigation tools, such as the astrolabe. This helped him know where to go. After many months, da Gama and his crew reached Calicut, India, in May 1498. They had found the first sea route from Europe to India!

This achievement was very important. The sea route allowed Europeans to trade more easily with India. It made Portugal one of the richest countries in Europe. It also started new connections between Europe and Asia. Da Gama’s trip made people realize the world was bigger than they thought.

Da Gama’s courage inspired other explorers. He showed that hard work and smart choices could lead to great success. As one sailor said, "We have come to seek Christians and spices." This means they wanted both trade and to make new friends.

Vasco da Gama made more trips to India in his life. He became a hero in Portugal. His journey changed history by linking different parts of the world.

Interesting Fact: Vasco da Gama’s voyage was over 24,000 miles long—almost the same as the Earth’s full circle!

Where was Vasco da Gama born?

When did da Gama sail to India?

How many ships did da Gama prepare?

Why did Europeans want a sea route to India?

What did da Gama use to navigate?

How did da Gama’s trip change history?

Vasco da Gama found a sea route to India. True or False?

What does 'crew' mean?