Ancient Indian Colonies in the Far East (Vol. I: Champa; Vol. II: Suvarnadvipa) v2.c13.s1.64

v2.c13.s1.64

The obvious identification of Ptolemy’s Iabadiou (=Yavadvīpa) with Java has been questioned by some authorities. ² They point out that the island of Sumatra, or at least a part of it, was also known as Java. Starting from this basis they argue as follows: ‘Now if we have to make a choice between Java and Sumatra, the latter is undoubtedly to be preferred on general grounds, for it being nearer to India must have been better known to the Indians, who could not have reached Java without passing by this great island, and therefore being first acquainted with it. This view is further strengthened by the consideration that Ptolemy’s Iabadiou is said to “produce very much gold”. Java, as a matter of fact, has hardly any gold at all, but Sumatra, which even now produces gold, was named Suvarṇadvīpa for that very reason.’