Eshan Maitra
Almost all of us are familiar with Christopher Columbus. The great explorer who discovered the New World and practically proved that the world was round. Even from 1792 many states in United States celebrates his day of discovery as Columbus Day, on October 12. He believed to be a hero of the oppressed men in Europe, during the time of monarchy. Columbus inspired many explorers and represents freedom.
Many say he just accidentally stumbled upon the land. After all, the North and South America are not just small two islands. The story goes like this. Christopher Columbus requested the King to let him set sail for his journey with banner of Spain, in 1492. His offer was very intriguing. Columbus wanted to find an easier trade route to India, since the fear of pirates. Columbus’s plan was travel around the globe to India. However, many laughed at because, they still believe the Earth was flat. Despite the facts and little no knowledge, he set sail and when he found land, he almost thought it was India. Soon after, he became aware of his great discovery and set Spanish colonies.
Where the controversies come. Even though Spanish were able set prolonged settlement. Ancient Norse, already set Finnish colonies there centuries ago. But Vikings did not show much interest to stay there. Columbus was not very intellectual. He just wanted glory. When he found the resourceful land. He actually wanted to become the King of that place. He even helped to flare tribal conflicts that were already going on at a fierce rate. Captured huge number of natives for slavery and mining. A Spanish historian, Bartolomé de las Casas was terrified in his visit to the new Spanish colony Hispaniola. He wrote Columbus managed to perish many tribes and killed over 3 million natives. Soon, his excessive control over the colonies put him into shackles.
Still, judging the measurement were not the same as modern days during such colonial time. In addition, the written records are centuries old and hardly in good conditions. Columbus still brought hope to the European peoples who just wanted to leave the rigid lives under Monarchy and start anew. It also inspired to build the unity of immigrants that is now the one of the leading country, America. Columbus represented hope. He was a hero of the general people. Even the for young explorers of his time. His practical proof of that the earth was definitely round, broke many prejudices. His navigation systems were also very helpful. Whatever the man did in the past, remains bit shady. Still, his legacy remains unchanged.
Traditions change through the course of time. Even heroes might turn into villains in the hand of greed or at different circumstances. However, holidays are to be celebrated with everyone, with the feeling fraternity. Therefore, many states of America are changing the Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s DayorNative American Day. Much like Día de la Raza, what Latin (South) American countries been celebrating for a long a time. Cherishing the contribution of the natives in such dynamic mixed cultures of the wide-whole duo-continents.