The Power of a Name: From Vasco da Gama to Birsa Munda

 

The Power
of a Name: From Vasco da Gama to Birsa Munda
#VascoDaGama #FortKochi #BirsaMunda #CulturalIdentity #KeralaTourism
#JharkhandHeritage #HistoryAndTravel

While
exploring the picturesque lanes of Fort Kochi, Kerala, I couldn’t help
but notice the prevalence of the name Vasco da Gama. From homestays and
restaurants to local shops and even vehicles, his name was omnipresent.

I was
visiting the region on the kind invitation of my Malayali friend, Shaji,
who generously provided his own car and arranged a local guide. The guide
explained that Vasco da Gama holds significant historical value here,
and the people of this region take pride in associating with his legacy.

This
observation reminded me of my hometown, Ranchi, in Jharkhand,
where the name of Bhagwan Birsa Munda is deeply woven into the fabric of
everyday life. From Birsa Munda Chowk and Bus Stand to markets
and shops, his name commands respect and reverence. Birsa Munda is celebrated
as a freedom fighter and is deified by the tribal communities of Jharkhand.

In Fort
Kochi, Vasco da Gama is similarly honored—not just as a historical
figure, but as a symbol of legacy.

The
Legacy of Vasco da Gama

Vasco da
Gama was a
Portuguese nobleman, explorer, and naval commander renowned for being the first
European to reach India by sea. Commissioned by King Manuel I of Portugal
in 1497, he set sail to discover a maritime route to India. On May 20, 1498,
his fleet landed at Calicut (now Kozhikode, Kerala), navigating
via the Cape of Good Hope.

His journey
marked the beginning of a new era—connecting Europe to Asia by sea, and
eventually paving the way for European colonialism in the Indian subcontinent.

Upon his
arrival, he was welcomed by the Zamorin of Calicut as the official
ambassador of Portugal. His voyage opened the door for Portuguese influence in
Indian coastal regions.

Historical
Contributions

• Francisco de Almeida was later appointed as the
  first Viceroy of Portuguese India in 1505.

• Vasco da Gama documented his
  voyages extensively, detailing encounters with cultures along the African
  and Indian coasts, including discussions on flora, fauna, warfare, food,
  and trade.

• He was guided by Ahmad Ibn
  Majid, an Omani navigator, in crossing from Africa to the Malabar
  Coast.

Fascinating
Facts About Vasco da Gama:

1.    
His
father, Estêvão da Gama, was originally chosen to command the
expedition.

2.    
A
lunar crater on the Moon is named after him.

3.    
During
his second voyage, his fleet included 20 armed ships.

4.    
He
was the father of six sons and one daughter.

5.    
Vasco
da Gama passed away in Kochi in 1524, during his third visit. Initially
buried at St. Francis Church, his remains were later repatriated to
Portugal by his son after 14 years.

Picture
Highlights:

📍 Vasco Home Stay on Rose
Street, Fort Kochi
🛏️ Cozy room at Vasco Home Stay
🏊 Swimming pool view at the homestay
🕊️ Visitors gathered at Vasco da Gama’s tomb, St.
Francis Church, Fort Kochi

✍️ Text & Photographs by: Ashok
Karan
📖 Visit: ashokkaran.blogspot.com

Fort Kochi is well connected by Railways, waterways, roadways and airways.

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