Tag: india's contemporary economic condition

The clergy collected a sum called the 'Peter's Pence' from the people. Pope Leo X wanted to build St. Peter's Church. So, he issued pardon certificates called 'Indulgences' to those who gave money to build the church. Indulgences were letters which were remitted punishments of the sinners who bought them, both in this life and after their death. 

The Portuguese wanted to find a route Africa to reach India. They were looking for a trade route to India that would completely bypass the Muslims so that the Christians could stop paying their "enemies" to get Asian items.

Explorer Vasco da Gama was born in Sines, Portugal, around 1460. In 1497, he was commissioned by the Portuguese king to find a maritime route to the East. His success in doing so proved to be one of the more instrumental moments in the history of navigation. He subsequently made two other voyages to India, and was appointed as the Portuguese viceroy in India in 1524.

St. Peter's Basilica, which is called in Italian "Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano", is a large church in the Vatican City, in Rome, Italy. It is often called "the greatest church in Christendom". The foundation stone of St Peter’s Cathedral was laid on St Peter’s Day (29th June) 1869.

Every European country wanted to find a sea route in order to continue their trade with the Asian country for which various expeditions were carried out. The Portuguese and the Spanish were in the forefront 

Cotton and silk textiles had a huge market in Europe. Indian textiles were by far the most popular, both for their fine quality and exquisite craftsmanship. Spices too were in high demand because of the many benefits it had ans also the value it had. People in the Renaissance found many uses for spices and the spice trade was basic to the Renaissance economy. Pepper was used to preserve and to flavor spoiled meat. Cloves and cinnamon were used as substitutes for cleanliness and ventilation. They were strewn across the floor to prevent foot odor from permeating the room. 

After the discovery of silk road, China became one of the biggest exporters of silk. Besides silk, the Chinese also exported tea, salt, sugar, porcelain and spices.

Scents were famous in Arabia. The craft of perfumery is an essential part of Muslim culture. Arabian perfumes have long been alluring the world with their distinct fragrances and are now synonymous with ancient heritage as well as fine luxury.

Expeditions were financed by European kings and queens. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella agreed to sponsor the expedition, and on 3 August 1492, Columbus and his fleet of three ships, the Santa Maria, the Pinta and the Niña, set sail across the Atlantic.

Petrarch was a poet and scholar whose humanist philosophy set the stage for the Renaissance. He is also considered one of the fathers of the modern Italian language. Dante and other supporters were his followers.