Question

Which foreign traveller visited Kayal port?
A) Marco Polo
B) Nocolo conti
C) Fa hien
D) Hiuen Tsang

Answer 1

Hint: Foreign traveller accounts are crucial in determining Indian history, particularly in mediaeval and ancient India. During their tour, their narrative provided light on several elements, such as administration and traditional customs. Their description also makes it easier for historians to keep track of Indian history.

Complete answer:
Kayalpattinam is a municipality in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, India. The town had a population of 40,588 people in 2011. Korkai, vaguthu, or Kayal was an ancient harbour that existed concurrently with Kollam, another Pandyan port, in the first centuries of the common era. On the west coast, Kollam serviced the Pandyas, while on the east coast, Kayal served them, connecting them to Ceylon and the pearl fisheries in the Gulf of Mannar, which faces the Tirunelveli Coast. Arab traders from Egypt and Yemen arrived at Kayal's harbour. Kayalpattinam, Adirampattinam, and Kilakarai share a significant cultural relationship.

Kayal is mentioned in Marco Polo's voyage diaries from 1298 AD. Between 1271 to 1295, Marco Polo, a Venetian merchant, explorer, and writer, travelled through Asia along the Silk Road. He paid two visits to the harbour, the first in 1298 and the second in 1293. Because of the ships that arrived for trade from Arabia and China, he regarded the city as honourable. He came by ship from China.

Therefore the correct answer is option ‘A’.

Note: Marco Polo was the European to travel through Asia and write a detailed account of his adventures. This description of the Orient gave Europeans a comprehensive image of the topography and ethnic customs of the East. Many other travellers, including Christopher Columbus, were inspired by his travel book.