Which of the following ports was not visited by Vasco-da-Gama ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:

Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer famous for being the first European to reach India by sea, opening the direct maritime route from Europe to Asia. His voyages were primarily focused on the Malabar Coast of Southern India, which was the hub of the spice trade. Mangalore, located further north in the present-day state of Karnataka, was not a main stop on his key voyages. While Calicut (Kozhikode) was the location of his initial arrival in 1498 and the focus of subsequent confrontations and diplomatic missions, Mangalore was not a known or documented port of call for Vasco da Gama himself during his three major expeditions to India.

The incorrect option is 1: Calicut
Calicut (Kozhikode) was the first Indian port Vasco da Gama landed at in May 1498, marking the discovery of the sea route to India. His arrival and subsequent interaction with the local ruler, the Zamorin, is the most famous event of his first voyage.

The incorrect option is 2: Cochin
Cochin (Kochi) became the primary trading base and center of Portuguese activity in India, largely due to conflicts with the Zamorin of Calicut. Vasco da Gama visited Cochin during his second voyage in 1502–1503 and established commercial relations there.

The incorrect option is 3: Kannur
Kannur (Cannanore) was an important port on the Malabar Coast and one of the early places where the Portuguese established a presence, including a fort. Vasco da Gama made contact and traded at Kannur during his second voyage to India in 1502–1503.