Why Zheng He is considered a significant figure in treasure voyages?

 

               Zheng He, a towering figure, commanded the Ming dynasty’s fleet of immense trading vessels on expeditions ranging as far away as Africa. He was a mariner, explorer, diplomat, and leader. He led trading expeditions to Southeast Asia, South Asia, Western Asia, and East Africa from 1405 to 1433. His larger ships stretched 120 metres or more in length. These could carry hundreds of sailors on four tiers of decks. However, the size of these ships is still disputed.

               Zheng’s voyages became well-known in China and abroad, since the publication of Liang Qichao’s ‘The Biography of Our Homeland’s Great Navigator, Zheng He’ in 1904. Later an upright stone bearing a commemorative inscription written by the navigator was unearthed from Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon.

               Some historians say that during his seventh voyage, from 1431 to 1433, Zheng He died at sea, and was likely buried off the Indian coast. But, some of his descendants believe that he made it back to China, and died there.