A History of Agriculture in India v2.c72.s7.4

v2.c72.s7.4

Vasco da Gama reached Calicut on 20 May 1498, after a voyage of nearly eleven months. There he met Zamorin, the Hindu Raja. When asked what he sought so far away from home, he replied that he came in search of spices and Christians. His religious ardour was such that he mistook an image of Kali for that of Virigin Mary, and paintings of Hindu gods for those of saints. The news of his arrival in India reached Portugal on his return from that country. After visiting Cochin and Cannanore, Vasco da Gama turned for home and reached Lisbon in late August 1499. The success of Vasco da Gama thrilled the Portuguese, and Camoen, their poet, celebrated his exploits in the *Lusiad*.