The correct answer is A) Vasco da Gama (Portuguese).
Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer who was the first European to sail directly from Europe to India. He landed in Calicut, Kerala, on May 20, 1498. This was a major turning point in world history, as it opened up a new trade route between Europe and Asia.
Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer who is credited with discovering the Americas in 1492. He never reached India, however, and his voyages did not have the same impact on world history as Vasco da Gama’s.
Francis Drake was an English explorer and privateer who circumnavigated the globe in 1577-1580. He did not establish any settlements in Kerala, however.
Willem Barentsz was a Dutch explorer who explored the Arctic in the early 17th century. He never reached Kerala, and his voyages did not have any impact on the region.
In conclusion, the first European to establish a settlement in Kerala was Vasco da Gama. He landed in Calicut on May 20, 1498, and this was a major turning point in world history.