Answer the following questions by discussing with your group.

What were the reasons for geographical explorations?

• The Turks conquered the city of Constantinople in 1453 C.E.

• Turks after occupying the Constantinople in 1453 BC they blocked the trade gates between East and West. With this, Turks started getting more profit out of spices imported from India.

• Europeans faced lots of difficulties and loss as the ancient trade route was seized.

• So most of the European nations started to find a new sea route to India.

• Discovery of new countries opened the possibility of spreading Christianity.

• The adventurous nature of sea voyage towards eastern countries. They ventured to bring in Spices, Silk, Cotton, Muslin cloth and to sell them for profit.

• ‘Travels of Morcopolo’. The diary which tells about the travelling experiences of Morcopolo gave insight about the wealth of India and China. This also worked as a motivating factor for Europeans to reach India as soon as possible.