The correct option is A Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion
On 17th May, 1498 Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese sailor and merchant reached Calicut in Kerala, thereby discovering a new sea route to India. Through this sea route, the Portuguese were the first among Europeans to reach India.
Causes for the decline of the Portuguese:
1) Possession of strong navy by the Dutch and the English posed as a formidable challenge to the Portuguese.
2) Portuguese Government officials became highly corrupt, loosing their loyalty. Later reduced their government to a pathetic condition.
3) Religious fanaticism was the reason for their decline. They attempted to convert the locals forcefully.
4) With the decline of Vijayanagar Empire, their trade declined.