Life of Vasco da Gama (Early Life)

EARLY LIFE

Vasco da Gama was the son of Estevao da Gama and Isabel Sodré. His father was a member of the household of Prince Dom Fernando - master of the Order of St James, and later on, to that of the prince's son - Dom Diogo, Duke of Viseu. His father's family, originating from the southern province of Alentejo, had close links with the military Order of Avis and later on with the Order of St James. His mother's family, of English ascendancy, also had links with the household of Dom Diogo, Duke of Viseu and governor of the military Order of Christ.

Very little is known of the early childhood or adolescence of Vasco da Gama, except that he grew up in a maritime environment learning very early in life to fish, swim and sail. At the age of 15, he became a sailor, studied astronomy and navigation at Evora, and became a naval officer at the age of 23. Vasco da Gama played a role in the defense of the Portuguese-held territories on the West African coast as well as in the Algarve and Setubal coastal area against the French incursions.

Bartholomew Diaz was first chosen to chart the sea-route to India. But with the rigors of the journey and scurvy, a fatal and mysterious illness at that time, Bartholomew faced a mutiny from his sailors. His fleet had already rounded the Cape and had a short distance ahead, but the mutiny forced him to return.

After this aborted attempt by Bartholomew Diaz, the mantle to lead the expedition to India fell on Estevao da Gama. But as fate would have it, Estevao died before the project details were finalized. The King then sought a replacement - a leader more capable in controlling any future mutinies on the high seas. The grim and cynical bachelor Vasco da Gama was the forceful individual the King was looking for. Vasco da Gama had the reputation of being firm with little tolerance of revolt. He was known to be inflexible in his decision to punish the delinquent. He was also a minor 'nobleman' in the Royal Court and hence known to the King.

After an interview, King Manuel of Portugal commissioned Vasco da Gama to reach India by sea. Vasco was the person in whom the King had confidence to serve the fleet in matters of the sea.

The King also commissioned the experienced Bartholomew Diaz to oversee the planning of the trip. Two new ships were built and two previously used ones refitted for the journey. All four ships were fitted with the best cannons available at the time in Europe. The ships were loaded with rations of food and wine to last for three years. Also stocked were items thought to be useful for purposes of trading like olive oil, cotton cloth, bacalhao, tin bells and the sort. No gold, silver or luxury goods, ideal for trading in India were carried on board.

Vasco da Gama personally recruited the crew to accompany him on this maiden voyage. It was not very easy to find recruits for this journey. Many promised to join the mission but few actually dared to show up. The voyage to India was seen as being fraught with immense dangers. Many were keen but few were willing. Eventually an assortment of individuals was put together for this voyage. Among the crew were 10 convicted killers whose sentences had been specially commuted. They were to be used for the suicidal and dangerous missions anticipated en route.

Cultural Heritage Voyage