Question

Why did so many explorers and sailors go on risky and uncertain voyages to find new routes to India and China?

Answer 1

They wanted to get their hands on goods the likes of which had never been seen in Europe--silk is a big one, for instance. The Silk Road was too dangerous because of bandits and the Ottoman Emprie, so if a sea route could be found from Europe to Asia, then the person who found it would be rich.