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In the 15th century, Portuguese explorers sailed in the Indian Ocean for spice trade.
Spices were found in the East Indies. So these sailors crossed the Indian Ocean on
their way to the East Indies.
Pedro Mascarenhas was a Portuguese sailor. He discovered many islands in the Indian
Ocean. The three islands Mauritius, Rodrigues and Réunion were also discovered by
him. Now, can you say why the group of these three islands are known as the Mascarene
Islands?
Other Portuguese sailors also discovered many islands in the Indian Ocean. Many of
these islands bear Portuguese names. Find out two other islands in the Indian Ocean
named by the Portuguese.
Can you also find out the name of any country in the Indian Ocean where the
Portuguese language is spoken?
3.0
Do you know why the three islands, Mauritius, Rodrigues and Réunion, are known as
theMascareneIslands?
THE MASCARENE ISLANDS
23½°S
discovery of
mauritius &rodrigues
Topic 3 The Mascarene Islands
3.0 Portuguese sailors in the IndiaN Ocean
map 2
Réunion
Mauritius
Rodrigues