Vasco Da Gama was born in the year 1469. He was the son of well-known Estavao da Gama. His father was Alcaide Mor of Sines, and the Commendador of Cercal, and held an office at a court under Alfonso V. His father was given a voyage but shortly died before he could take part in it. So Emmanuel I gave the voyage to Vasco and he took it. He had made quite a name for himself already by defending the Portuguese colonies at the coast of Guinea against the French. .
Vasco would become very well known for discovering a passage that would lead them from Africa to India. They made him the commander of this voyage and gave him about 100 to 150 men and four ships. They set out on this adventure on July 8, 1497. Vasco ran into some bad weather and it took a little longer than they thought it would take. He and his companions made it to Calicut, India on May 20th and they set up to let people know they were there. They stayed for a while and headed back home in September of 1499. He and crew brought back good news of trade with India. After the king had heard the good news he sent thirteen ships over to India, to make many many trades with India. The ships would come home and bring back with them: rich shawls, silks, spices, precious gems and other things from India. Even though they had some success with trade in India they had made some enemies there too. .
After getting hold on this news the Portuguese were not going to let them act like big shots, so in 1502 they sent a fleet of soldiers to India to make things hectic for the king of Calicut. For being a great leader they made him Portuguese viceroy of India. Another name they had for him was "Lord of the Conquest of Ethiopia, Arabia, Persia, and India. He was such a big part in the success of India. .
In 1524 he was sent back home to be recognized for his brilliant work as a leader for India. When he got back he was to be under the crown of Joao the third.