THE NEW WORLD

                                                Imagine the shape of modern history if the American continent was not known to the rest of the civilized world. It was on Oct 11, 1492 that Christopher Columbus discovered this New World. Others may forget him, but the American people observe Oct 11 as the Columbus Day every year.

Christopher Columbus (1451 -1506) was born in Genoa, which today is a part of Italy. He was a versatile genius with forays in naval expedition, discovery and several other subjects. Somehow, with his exploratory talents, he could manage to come closer to the Spanish monarchs of that period. They happily sponsored his expensive and tedious voyages. As a matter of fact they encouraged him to explore the lucrative spice markets of Asia. But the luck had something else, rather very interesting in the store for this legendary explorer. He reached an unknown place.

Under the banner of the Spanish monarchs, he made four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, which led to increased awareness in the Europeans about America. Columbus, on Oct 11, 1492 reached Bahama archipelago, which he named as San Salvador. He further discovered Carabbeans,Venezuela and some other countries where, out of obligation, he founded Spanish colonies. The people he met in Bahama archipelago, caleed them as Indo which in Spanish means Indians.

It is not true to believe that Europe was completely in dark about this continent before Columbus reached there. As a matter of fact a successful exploratory voyage had taken place in 11^th century. However, the lasting European contact with this new World started with Columbus only. We pay our homage to this great soul whose breathtaking discovery extended the horizon of the world map.

Unfortunately, like Robert Clive, who won India for the British, Christopher Columbus also had to face adversities in the last phase of his life. His relations with the Spanish royalty turned sour. Even the Spanish governors of American colonies ignored him. He was arrested in 1500 and as a broken man, breathed his last after six years.