The correct answer is: D) Europe.
Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer who led the first European expedition to sail directly from Europe to India. He landed in Kerala on May 17, 1498, at the port of Calicut. This marked the beginning of direct trade between Kerala and Europe.
Before Vasco da Gama’s arrival, Kerala had been trading with the Middle East and Southeast Asia for centuries. However, these trade routes were indirect, and goods had to be transported overland or by sea through other countries. This made trade expensive and time-consuming.
The arrival of Vasco da Gama opened up a direct trade route between Kerala and Europe. This made it possible to transport goods more quickly and cheaply. It also led to an increase in trade between the two regions.
The arrival of Vasco da Gama also had a significant impact on the history of Kerala. It led to the Portuguese colonization of the region, which lasted for over 150 years. The Portuguese had a major impact on the culture and economy of Kerala, and their legacy can still be seen today.
The other options are incorrect because they do not represent the direct trade route that was established between Kerala and Europe after Vasco da Gama’s arrival.
Option A: Africa. Africa was not a major trading partner of Kerala before Vasco da Gama’s arrival. The trade between the two regions was limited, and it was mostly conducted through intermediaries.
Option B: The Middle East. The Middle East was a major trading partner of Kerala before Vasco da Gama’s arrival. However, the trade between the two regions was indirect, and goods had to be transported overland or by sea through other countries. This made trade expensive and time-consuming.
Option C: Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia was a major trading partner of Kerala before Vasco da Gama’s arrival. However, the trade between the two regions was indirect, and goods had to be transported overland or by sea through other countries. This made trade expensive and time-consuming.