The landing of Vasco da Gama at Calicut in 1498 with three ships is generally regarded as the beginning of a new era in world history, especially in the relationship between Asia- Europe.

There were many factors that led to the advent of Europeans in India. Some of them are

● Weak rulers and fragmented regional powers.

● The vast wealth of India.

● Heavy demand for Indian commodities like spices, calicoes, silk, etc.

● Advancement in navigational technologies: In the 15th century, Europe achieved great advancement in the art of shipbuilding and navigation.

● Search for new markets due to industrialization. Europeans came to India for trade, but in due course of time, they gained political and administrative dominance over the country. This ultimately led to Britain ruling over India for more than two centuries.