Vasco da Gama: Discovering India & Global Imperialism Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer whose voyages in the late 15th century were pivotal in establishing a sea route to India, thereby opening up new avenues for global trade and imperialism. In 1497, he embarked on a historic journey from Lisbon, navigating around Africa's Cape of Good Hope and reaching the Indian subcontinent, specifically Calicut. This landmark expedition marked the beginning of Europe's maritime dominance in the Indian