Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c13.s3.t2.98

v2.c13.s3.t2.98

Kochi (formerly Cochin) is an important port on the southwest coast of India. In the 15th century in particular, the country had regular intercourse with China. *Juan* 326 of the *History of Ming Dynasty* refers to Kochi as being in the southwestern part of India, near the sea, with a tropical climate, abundant natural resources, rare treasures from the sea and dense forests. It said that no wild beasts were to be found in its mountains and there were very few species of poisonous fish in the river. Being fond of eating fish and softshell turtles, people there were said to be mild in temperament and not prone to fighting; old people loved children and young people respected the old, all living in peace. The *Xingcha Shenglan* written by Fei Xin presents a vivid description of this country. He said that the local people were pure and honest, they wore short gowns consisting of a single cloth wrapped around and some people also used leaves and grass for clothing. Some lived in houses while others lived in caves or trees, fishing for a living. *Yingya Shenglan* written by Ma Huan has a more detailed record, pointing out that "the country has mountains on the east and the sea on the west". The mountains are obviously the Western Ghats. It pointed out that people used coconut wood for building their houses