Consider the following statements regarding Vasco da Gama's arrival in Calicut in 1498: 1. He was initially welcomed by the Zamorin, but commercial negotiations stalled due to the hostility of Arab merchants who dominated the local spice trade. 2. The Zamorin immediately granted the Portuguese exclusive monopoly rights over pepper exports, excluding all other European nations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Vasco da Gama arrived at Calicut in May 1498, where he received an initial welcome from the local ruler, the Zamorin, but faced severe commercial friction driven by entrenched Arab traders. Statement two is invalid because the Zamorin never granted exclusive spice monopolies or expelled rival merchants, which directly triggered subsequent Portuguese hostilities in the region. This maritime expedition permanently altered the course of modern Indian history and European trade.