Over time, he learnt the craft of professional navigation from his father, a famed navigator. Majid was born in Julfar, Ras Al Khaimah in the present-day United Arab Emirates. Ibn Majid was already an established name in the maritime business when Vasco da Gama sought him as his guide to navigate the treacherous waters of the Indian Ocean.
Vasco da Gama’s journey was historic, as it opened up up the gates of European explorations towards the East when an alternate trade route was discovered through the Cape of Good Hope. But not many recall the immense contributions of his pilot, Ahmad Ibn Majid, the Omani Arab who guided Vasco da Gama from the African coast to the Malabar Coast. Much has been written about the first European traveller to India. One such sailor was the guide to one of the greatest explorers of all time, Vasco da Gama. The Arabs of yore were seafarers, traders, invaders and exuberant travellers, as is evident from the tales of Sinbad, the Sailor. In the centuries hence, leading up to the present times, this association has withstood the ups and downs of history.
Arab traders of the 8th century were the first Muslims in the subcontinent. There was also the caravel Berrio, and a storeship So Maria. Paulo da Gama brother to Vasco commanded the So Rafael, a three masted ship. India’s relations with the Arabs have historical antecedents. Principal Voyage On 8 July 1497 Vasco da Gama sailed from Lisbon with a fleet of four ships with a crew of 170 men from Lisbon.
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