Page:The Periplus of the Erythræan Sea.djvu/255

 Similar in a general way to the Andhra coin-symbol is the Gujarāti ship carved in bas-relief on the frieze of the Buddhist temple at Boroboedor in Java. While dating from about 600 A.D., this vessel was probably not different from those of the 1st century, while the short broad sail with double yards is identical with those of the Egyptian Punt Expedition of the 15th century B.C.

"In the year 525 (Saka era,= 603 A.D.), it being foretold to a king of Gujarāt that his country would decay and go to ruin, he resolved to send his son to Java. He embarked with about 5000 followers in 6 large and about 100 small vessels, and after a voyage of four months reached an island they supposed to be Java; but finding themselves mistaken, re-embarked, and finally arrived at Matarem, in the center of the island they were seeking.... The prince now found that men alone were wanting to make a great and flourishing state. He accordingly applied to Gujarāt for assistance, when his father, delighted at his success, sent him a reinforcement of 2000 people.... From this period Java was known and celebrated as a kingdom; an extensive commerce was carried on with Gujarāt and other countries, and the bay of Matarem was filled with adventurers from all parts." (Sir Stamford Raffles, History of Java, II, 87ff.)