[Solved] Earliest Reference to Magnetic Compass in India

The earliest reference of the use of magnetic compass in the Indian seas was by-

[Jharkhand PCS Prelims 2016]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Maritime history reveals the technological evolution of Indian Ocean trade. The transition from celestial navigation to instrumental navigation was a major breakthrough for sailors.

Authentic Source Evidence

The Persian scholar Sadruddin Muhammad Aufi, in his 12th-13th century work Jawami'ul-Hikayat wa Lawami'ul-Riwayat, provided the earliest written reference to the use of a magnetic needle (compass) by sailors in the Indian seas.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option C is correct. He describes the use of an iron 'fish' (magnetized needle) floating in water to determine the direction of the North.

Logic 2: While Marco Polo (A) and Nicolo Conti (D) visited later and observed such tools, Aufi’s literary record is the earliest known instance in this context.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"How did the magnetic compass change maritime trade?"

It allowed sailors to navigate during cloudy weather or at night when stars were not visible, making long-distance voyages safer and more predictable.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The mention of the compass by Aufi shows the rapid diffusion of maritime technology between the Chinese, Indian, and Arab nautical traditions."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Indian Ocean Trade 3

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