Kappad: The arrival of Vasco Da Gama

-



As you walk along the coastline of Kappad Beach in Kozhikode, and you’ll find more than just sand and sea—you’ll find the place where the world changed forever. A simple stone memorial marks 20 May 1498, the day Vasco da Gama stepped onto Indian soil. But the story of this shore is far more layered than the textbooks reveal.

Long before the Portuguese arrived, Calicut was a thriving international port, trading with Arab merchants and Chinese sailors. Spices from Kerala were world-famous, and the Zamorin of Calicut welcomed traders from every corner of the seas.

So, was Vasco da Gama the “discoverer” of India? Not exactly. He was the first European to arrive by sea—but he followed routes known to Arab and Indian navigators, guided by local pilots supplied by African kings.

Gama sailed into Kappad with three massive ships, São Rafael, São Gabriel, and São Miguel which was a sight that stunned local fishermen. Their arrival was unusual, not just for the season of rough seas, but for their strange appearance, language, and dress. Gama intended to dock at Kodungallur, but fate brought him right here to Kappad  or how it was called then, Kappakadavu.

Gama came unnaounced and with a large fleet, but the Zamorin of Calicut extended legendary hospitality as always & Gama with his men were escorted in a grand land and canal procession, led by trumpets and gunshots, accompanied by 3,000 armed Nair soldiers, taken to the Bhagavathy Temple for auspicious ceremony & finally welcomed into the royal palace, glittering with gold and silver

Gama is said to have offered gifts, cloth, hats, corals, sugar but no gold or precious items. Local traders and Arabs were suspicious. They thought, “Is he a merchant… or a pirate?” Still, the Zamorin traded spices in return. When taxes were requested (as per custom), Gama grew angry, seized locals by force, and left in haste.to Portugal for a hero’s welcome. The goods he brought back were worth 60× the cost of the expedition!

Gama after his first voyage returned two more times. His second voyage sparked a century-long conflict between the Portuguese, Zamorins, and Arab traders. On his third, he died in Kochi in 1524. His body rested at St. Francis Church, Kochi, before being taken back to Portugal.

Stand on this shoreline and you can almost hear the creaking masts of distant ships and the trumpets of a royal procession. Kappad is not just a beach, it’s a turning point in world history. Whether we celebrate or critique his legacy, Vasco da Gama put Calicut on the world map, opening the door to an age of global trade, exploration, and empire.



 


Location: Kappad, Kerala 673304, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pandalam Palace: The house of Swami Ayyappan

-
Image
Built along the banks of the beautiful Achankovil River, the Pandalam Palace holds a significant importance in the heritage of Kerala & its beliefs. The palace is where Lord Ayyappa is said to have lived & played. It is also a place that is important in the rituals of Sabarimala temple as it’s the place from where the Thiruvabharanam (divine ornaments) is brought to the temple for the culmination of the season which happens with the unique Magaravilakku & Makara Jyothi darshan. The palace today has lost its old charm as many portions of the old ancestral property have been divided among families & lost over the years. The most important parts of the palace are still available for all to see which include the palace complex, Valiya Koyikkal temple, Thevarapuras, Thiruvabharana Scrambical palace & Puthenkoikal. The Pandalam family is said to be descendants of the Pandya Kings who ruled the South during the 6 th century. The Pandya rule over the centuries became we...
Read more

Trichambaram Temple: Stories, Myths & Legends of Lord Krishna

-
Image
  Lord Krishna is considered to be the avatar of Lord Vishnu having temples around the country where the idol is placed in the shaanth shyamala posture which is based on the belief of Him being in his most serene form at all times. In the town of Taliparamba stands the Trichambaram temple in all its majesty where Lord Krishna is worshipped in the most ferocious form. The temple is a beautiful complex & has the distinction of the same degree  to that of Guruvayur temple in regards to the reverence to Lord Krishna & so is referred as North Guruvayur. The origin of the temple is not clear but most believe it to be present well before the 10th century.  The temple has many stories associated with its existence & its rituals are unique as compared to most other temples. As one enters the temple, one striking presence is the temple with a small pond around it dedicated to Goddess Jaladurga. The temple is considered to have been consecrated by Parasurama on the requ...
Read more

Pazhavangadi Temple: The soldier's Ganapathy

-
Image
  For anyone who comes to Trivandrum, a visit to Padmanabhaswamy temple is a must but what completes the visit is breaking a coconut at the revered Pazhavangady Ganapati temple. This activity along with the origin of the temple is one that takes you back to the time of the Travancore Kings & one that compels you to believe in human endurance & faith. The Pazhavangadi temple is a landmark in the East fort area & one that can never be missed by anyone. The temple stands on a small land & is said to have been built on the walls of the East Fort which does not exist anymore. The temple, idol & its rituals all have stories of their own. The story of the temple starts in the 18th century.  The old capital of Travancore was Padmanabhapuram & the palace complex there was protected by a large fort which was secured by the Nair Brigade. There was a Kavu near the wall dedicated to Melankottu Yakshi who was a fierce dispensation. The soldiers were afraid to patrol ...
Read more