Previous Year Question
With reference to the ‘Indian Ocean’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
It was called by the Ancient Greeks as Erythraean Sea.
It is spread on the either side of equator.
Select the correct answer from the code given below:
Only 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Both 1 and 2
Only 1
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Statement 1 is correct. In ancient Greek geographical literature, the term Erythraean Sea was used for an extensive maritime region associated with the present-day Indian Ocean. At different stages of ancient geographical knowledge, the extent represented by this name varied and included maritime areas associated with the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. Therefore, in the context of the question, the statement that the Indian Ocean was called the Erythraean Sea by the ancient Greeks is correct.
Statement 2 is also correct. The Indian Ocean extends on both the northern and southern sides of the Equator. To the north, parts such as the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal extend towards the Asian landmass, while a much larger part of the ocean extends south of the Equator towards Africa, Australia and the Southern Ocean. NOAA's ocean-region classification also distinguishes North Indian Ocean and South Indian Ocean regions.
Another important feature is that among the major oceans, the Indian Ocean is strongly landlocked towards the north by Asia. This geographical setting makes monsoon-driven circulation particularly important in its northern part.