Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer, landed in Kerala in:

Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer, landed in Kerala in 1498. He was the first European to reach India by sea. He landed at Kappad Beach near Calicut. His arrival marked the beginning of the Portuguese colonial era in India.

Option a) is the correct answer.

Option b) is incorrect because Vasco da Gama landed in India in 1498, not 1502.

Option c) is incorrect because Vasco da Gama landed in India in 1498, not 1510.

Option d) is incorrect because Vasco da Gama landed in India in 1498, not 1524.