Wk. 2 Primary Source Vasco de Gama, Round Africa to India (1498)

Question 1

Vasco da Gama, Round Africa to India (1498)

Answer 1

Vasco da Gama (d. 1524) was a Portuguese naval officer and explorer. In 1497 he began an expedition sponsored by Prince Manuel of Portugal to find a sea route to India by sailing around southern Africa. He was successful, and in May 1498 arrived at the city of Calicut in southern India. This document is a journal that da Gama kept during his voyage.

What motivated da Gama’s journey?

• “What brought you hither?” “…we came in search of Christians and of spices.” They were on a discovery mission – looking more for Christians then spices.

What were his impressions of the Indians?

• De Gama looked down upon the Indians:
  
  • “…for the others manage as best they are able. The women of this country, as a rule, are ugly and of small stature. They wear many jewels… …All these people are well-disposed and apparently of mild temper. At first sight they seem covetous and ignorant…”

Compare the Portuguese to the natives of Calicut: who seemed more knowledgeable and sophisticated?

• De Gama showed his ignorance by assuming the Hindus were Christians. He also showed disdain toward parts of their culture (ex: wearing lots of jewelry), so he did not appear particularly knowledgable or sophisticated. He also lacked the intellectual curiosity to discover why the symbols of Christianity had crowns and multiple arms (because they weren’t Christian symbols).
• His journey seemed legitimately like simply a journey of discovery (to find Christians and, in particular, the “King of the Christians”). Evidence is that he came with too few men for battle, and too little resources for coercion.
• But there was no evidence that the Indians were any more knowledgable or sophisticated than De Gama. Also, the king seemed disappointed that De Gama had no riches to present to him, which seemed a little uncouth, though probably normal for the time.

Other Observations:

• De Gama referred to himself in 3rd person, which was annoying.
• De Gama is protective of the Statue of the Virgin Mary he kept on his boat, claiming she “Guided” them here and will guide them back to Portugal. He also noted that the statue was not made out of gold and had no monetary worth for the king as a gift.
• By the time De Gama is ready to leave, the King of Calicut loses trust in De Gama and his mission, then fearing Degama will take advantage of the port to sell the wares that he has on his ship.
  
  • “The king said no! He might take all his people with him, securely moor his ships, land his merchandise, and sell it to the best advantage”