Sailing Around Erythraean Sea: Fifty Three

The last point was Kalyan as explained in the previous Section. Now, let us proceed to next Section:

Beyond Calliena there are other market-towns of this region Symella, Mandagora, Pala patma, Meligara, Byzantium, Togarum, and Aurannohoas. Then there are the islands called Sesecrienae and that of Aegidii and that of Caenitae, opposite the place called Chersonesus (and in these places there are pirates) and after this the White island. Then come Naura and Tyndis, the first markets of Damarica, and then Muziris and Nelcynda, which are now of leading importance.

My Search:-

1. Semylla: Cemully. Modern day  Chaul. It is east of Revdanda, a costal village. Both Chaul and Revdanda were important trade centres. Every beach where boats could anchor was called a port in ancient times. Revdanda means edge or boarder. Chaul is located on the northern bank of Kundalika River. The word chaul is derived from Marathi/Konkani language meaning estuary. Korlai fort is nearby.


2. Mandagora: Modern day Mandad. A village on the northern bank of Mandad Creek, an arm of Rajpuri Creek, also known as Murud-Janjira Creek in Konkan region. The village is by Arabian sea. Roman traders refered to it as Mandagora. The local ruling dynasty was Mahabhojas who were at some time the vassals of Satavahanas. The members of the dynasty themselves called Mandavas. Archeologists have now located Mandad as the Capital of Mahabhojas. They patronised the rock-cut cave complex of Kuda. Mahabhojas flourished between second century BCE to second century CE.

3. Pala Patma: Not identified 
4. Meligara: Not identified
5. Byzantium: An error
6. Togarum: Not identified

7. Aurannohoas: Ariake or Arnala, Maharashtra. There are two locations by the name Arnala; Arnala beach and island in Maharashtra and Arnala south of Surat in Gujarat. Arnala in Maharashtra may be the most possible location because of its proximity to sea and the presence of an island. One of the oldest locations of human habitation by the analysis of the place name.

The islands he referred to are modern day Lakshadweep islands:
1.Sesecrienae = Chetlat island
2. Aegidii = Agatti island
3.Caenitae = Kavarti island
4. Chersonesus = Amini island

Lakshadweep islands are a group of 36 islands. The prominent of them were referred to by the unknown sailor.
5. White Island: Kalpeni Island, southeast of Kavarti and 218 kilometres west of Cochin port. It is white because of its sandy beaches and coral formations. Kalpeni also is a part of Lakshadweep, but the nomenclature is of twentyth century. He noted them individually. Naura, Tyndis, Muziris and Nelcynda: he qualifies them as first market of Damarica. Damarica is land of Damar or Dammar trees. There are two types of dammar. White dammar and black dammar. The resin obtained from the tree is used as disinfectant, air purifier and mosquito repellent. Resin from the black damar is used in the manufacture of varnish, bottling wax, and as incense.


End of the Section 

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