Chapter -16

The Age of Exploration

Back exercise question

Question 1: What led the Europeans to find a sea route to the east?

Answer 1: Trade with Asia was important for the Europeans as they needed cloth and spices. But the land trade route was controlled by the Arabs who resisted the presence of the Europeans. So, in order to keep trading the Europeans had to find a sea route to the east.

Question 2: Why did Bartholomew Diaz decide to turn back from the Cape of stroma?

Answer 2: The sea at the Cape of storms was very rough. Thus, Bartholomew Diaz could not go any further and decided to turn back.

Question 3: Briefly describe Vasco da Gama’s first voyage to India.

Answer 3: Vasco da Gama started for his first voyage to India in 1497 from Lisbon in Portugal. He took the same route as Bartholomew Diaz and reached the Cape of Good Hope. From there he sailed northwards and reached Calicut (present Kozhikode) in India in 1498.

Question 4: How were adjustable sails useful to the sailors?

Answer 4: The adjustable sails were useful to the sailors because by adjusting the sails to the direction of the wind, they could move their ships faster.

Question 5: What instruments did the sailors use at sea?

Answer 5: The sailors used compass, quadrant and astrolabe at sea.

Think and answer:

Question: While at sea the sailors were surrounded by water. But they could not drink it. Why?

Answer: At sea the sailors were surrounded by water but they could not drink it because the sea water is salty and thus unfit for drinking.