Who among the following had welcomed Vasco-Da-Gama at Calicut?

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2016

Explanation

Vasco da Gama reached Calicut on the Malabar coast of India on May 20, 1498.
Historical records confirm that he was received by the Zamorin, the local Hindu ruler of Calicut.
The Zamorin's reception, although initially hospitable, was followed by tense negotiations over trade.
This event is a pivotal moment in world history, opening the sea route from Europe to the East and initiating the age of European colonialism in Asia.

Option A: Francisco de Almeida was appointed as the first Portuguese Viceroy in India in 1505, which was seven years after Vasco da Gama's first arrival.
Option C: Afonso de Albuquerque became the second Portuguese Viceroy in India after Almeida. He was a key figure in expanding Portuguese influence but was not present to welcome Vasco da Gama in 1498.
Option D: Pedro Álvares Cabral commanded the second Portuguese expedition to India, which arrived in 1500, two years after Vasco da Gama's initial voyage.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Indian History - Arrival of Europeans as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question is from the non-nursing subject of General Knowledge/History, often included in nursing recruitment exams to assess a candidate's overall awareness.
Understanding major historical events is part of a well-rounded education, which is valued in professional fields.
What if the question asked about the first English representative to arrive at a Mughal court? The answer would be Captain William Hawkins, who arrived at the court of Emperor Jahangir in 1609, highlighting the different timelines of European arrivals in India.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key elements in the question: 'Vasco-Da-Gama', 'welcomed', and 'Calicut'.
This is a factual recall question from Indian history, specifically the arrival of Europeans.
Access your knowledge about the timeline of Portuguese exploration in India.
Evaluate each option based on the historical timeline. Vasco da Gama's arrival was in 1498.
Eliminate options involving figures who came to India later (Almeida, Albuquerque, Cabral).
Recall that the local ruler of Calicut was known by the title 'Zamorin'. This identifies the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full KPSC Staff Nurse - 2016

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.