Caryatid.Painting by Amdeo Modigliani

The Europeans were anxious to find the sea route to Asia, fabled for its silks, condiments and riches. Columbus also dreamt of reaching Asia after crossing the Atlantic Ocean, Born in Genoa (Italy) in 1451, he became a sailor at the young age of 14. From his very childhood, the thought of crossing the seas and discovering new lands used to enthuse him. During 1476-’77 he sailed to Iceland and England and then went to Lisbon in Portugal where he got married.

But his dream of reaching Asia remained unfulfilled. He sought the help of England andPortugal in this venture but failed to enthuse the rulers of these countries. Eventually, he could convince Queen Isabella of Spain about the viability of his scheme. She helped him and promised that he would be made governor of all lands that he would discover. Not only that, he would be given 1\10 of all the wealth that he brought back.

On August 3, 1492, Columbus set sail from Spain in a fleet of 100 sailors in three small ships Santa Maria, Nina and Pint. After sailing three weeks without the sight of any land, eventually, on October 12, his ship anchored at Bahamas island in North America. It is amusing that he set out to discover the route to India which was renowned as the land of gold and riches, but reached America, the land of red Indians.

In 1498, Columbus set out on his third expedition. Again Columbus sailed in 1502 and began his crossing from the Canary Islands. This time he reached Panama. During this journey, he discovered many new islands and lands. His expeditions opened the routes to North America. He returned to Spain as a sick man and died on May 20, 1506 in poverty still with the belief that he had in fact reached “Indies”.