GAMA, GASPAR DA

(c.1440-1510)

Portuguese navigator. After journeying to Jerusalem and Alexandria, he was sold into slavery in India. When he was granted his freedom, he served the ruler of Goa. When the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed on the shores of Goa, he was sent to meet him. He then served with the Portuguese. He was forced to be baptized and took his master's name.