Vasco da Gama’s arrival at Calicut on 20th May 1498 was the starting point which helped the European powers like Portuguese, French and English colonialists to capture India bit by bit. Those who came in the guise of merchants, became the masters within two centuries. India changed in to a colony of the British – its biggest colony by the 18th century.

The sustained struggle for Independence and the favourable situation after the II World War saw India winning Independence of 15th August 1947.

The European powers consider the landing of Vasco da Gama a great day. But for India it was the starting point of losing their freedom.