Which of the following statements are correct about Chinese contribution to Geographical thought?

(a) Chinese scholars first developed a scientific method of cartography based on a rectangular coordinate system.
(b) They were the first who put forward the idea of the periodic nature of the monsoons.
(c) They recognized that Africa was a southward-pointing triangle, whereas on contemporary maps it was always represented as pointing eastwards.
(d) They opined that "geography is not concerned with the individual plants but rather with the plant and animal cover."

Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Correct option is D

Chinese scholars first developed a scientific method of cartography based on a rectangular coordinate system. → Correct

• Pei Xiu (3rd century CE), known as the "Father of Chinese Cartography," introduced grid-based mapping techniques that resemble a rectangular coordinate system.
• He emphasized scale, orientation, and mathematical accuracy, which influenced later developments in geographical mapping.

They recognized that Africa was a southward-pointing triangle, whereas on contemporary maps it was always represented as pointing eastwards. → Correct

• Some ancient Chinese maps depicted Africa in a southward-oriented triangular shape, which was different from the standard eastward orientation seen in medieval European maps.
• Early Chinese cartography had a unique approach to world representation, influenced by their navigation and cultural perceptions.

Information Booster:

• Pei Xiu was one of the first scholars to use a scientific grid-based mapping system in China.
• Ancient Chinese maps depicted Africa differently from European maps, sometimes as a southward-pointing triangle.
• Indian and Greek scholars made major contributions to monsoon studies before Chinese documentation.
• Traditional Chinese geography was more focused on mapping, administration, and strategic use rather than ecological studies.

Additional Knowledge:

​They were the first who put forward the idea of the periodic nature of the monsoons. → Incorrect

• While Chinese scholars documented climatic patterns, the Indian and Greek scholars (e.g., Hippalus, Indian navigators) were among the earliest to describe the periodic nature of monsoons in a detailed and systematic manner.

They opined that "geography is not concerned with the individual plants but rather with the plant and animal cover." → Incorrect

• This idea aligns more with modern ecological geography rather than ancient Chinese geographical thought.
• Traditional Chinese geography focused more on administrative divisions, natural features, and mapping for governance, rather than ecological studies.

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