Question

Book 'X', written in Arabic, after being published would go on to contain the most accurate map of the world for the next three centuries. The author of the book and the maps was commisioned by the Norman King, Roger II of Sicily. Which of the following statement(s) do you think might be true regarding the book, its authorship and its content?

• A. The author of the book was Al-Istakhri
• B. The map is drawn with North at the bottom as per the Arab convention of the time.
• C. This book would eventually aid in the discovery of India.
• D. The world map was highlighted with various symbols and colours representing the different features of the land.

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C), (D)

The world map was highlighted with various symbols and colours representing the different features of the land.

In the year 1154 CE, an Arab geographer and cartographer, Al Idrisi, created a world map with detailed descriptions of regions along with various symbols and colours representing the different features of the land. This map was published in his book called Tabula Rogeriana.
Al Idrisi was commisioned for this work by the Norman King, Roger II of Sicily. The map was constructed with the help of Al-Idrisi's interviews with scores of experienced travelers. According to popular sources, it remained the most authentic and complete depiction of the Eurasian continent and the northern part of Africa for about three centuries.