Indeed, their views must be included in any assessment of the age of European exploration. It is entirely logical that the descendants of those who suffered from da Gama's actions should be less than thrilled about making him a hero. So what should the verdict be? Was da Gama an intrepid explorer who symbolizes all that was great about Portugal during its heyday as a seafaring power? Or was he little more than a pirate who stole from, oppressed and murdered the peoples he came across? Like most historical judgments, the answer must be that both views have elements of truth. Even Muslims in Kenya, where the adventurer landed en route to India, have protested against efforts to honor the man. Da Gama, they point out, engaged in pillage, torture and murder in the places he visited. As Portugal prepares to mark the 500th anniversary of his voyage - the centerpiece of the celebration will be an ocean-themed Expo '98 in Lisbon - the country's Indian associations, revisionist-minded students and leftists have loudly voiced their objections.
Given such a legacy, it is not surprising that controversy should have broken out over da Gama's place in history. Other explorers, traders, soldiers and missionaries would follow in da Gama's footsteps, ushering in a period of colonialism that will come to an end only with Macau's return to China at the end of next year. The event marked the beginning of Europe's sustained incursion into the region. The significance of da Gama's feat goes beyond his becoming the first European to reach Asia by sea. The Portuguese explorer's naval expedition had rounded Africa to reach the south Indian trading port, opening up a maritime route from Europe to Asia. O N MAY 20, 1498, Vasco da Gama made history by landing in Calicut, India. So why is it picking fights?Īs the colonial era ends, a mixed report on the explorer who began it
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