VASCO DA GAMA 

Vasco da Gama was born in 1469, going on to become a famous Portuguese navigator.  In fact, Gama was the very first European to travel to India by sea, putting his name in the history books.  However, his most important journey was from 1497 to 1499, which he made under the order of Manuel I.  Gama took with him four vessels, rounding the Cape of Good Hope at which time he passes the furthest east point, which had been reached by Bartolomeu Dias in 1488. 

Even so, Gama continued sailing to Calicut by going across the Indian Ocean.  This particular voyage created a way for Europe to reach the Indies and all of her riches.  Out of this, the Portuguese Empire was grown.  From the spice trade along, Portugal immediately gained incredible riches. 

Eventually, Gama gave instructions for the voyage from 1500 to 1502 for Cabral going to India.  Then in 1502, Gama himself headed up a fleet of 20 ships, which was his second trip to India.  With such incredible backing, Gama was determined to establish a Portuguese power in the Indian waters.  With this, he worked to gain submission from a number of chiefs located on the African coast.  However, his methods were brass and harsh, making him a bad administrator.