Option c is the correct answer Sadruddin Muhammad Aufi, a 12th-century Persian scholar, authored "Jawami'ul-Hikayat wa Lawami'ul-Riwayat," containing the earliest reference to the magnetic compass in Indian seas. Aufi described sailors using a magnetized needle in water, pointing north, aiding navigation. Important Tips Marco Polo (c. 1254 - 8 January 1324): Marco Polo was a Venetian explorer and writer who journeyed through Asia from 1271 to 1295. His book "The Travels of Marco Polo" described the cultures and riches of the Eastern world, including the Mongol Empire and China. He learned trade from his family, met Kublai Khan, and served as a diplomat, enhancing European understanding of Asia. His account influenced exploration and cartography. After a two-year sea journey from China, Marco Polo reached India's Coromandel Coast in AD 1292. He explored Tamil Pandyas' realm near Tanjore and visited Southern India during Kakatiya Dynasty's Rudramma Devi's rule. Niccolò de' Conti (c. 1395-1469): Niccolò de' Conti was an Italian merchant and explorer in the early 15th century. He traveled to India, Southeast Asia, and possibly Southern China. He contributed to the 1450 Fra Mauro map, indicating a sea route from Europe to the world around Africa. His travels aligned with T'nuand Europe relations and Admiral Zheng He's Chinese expeditions. In 1420-1421 AD, he crossed the Arabian Sea to Cambay in Gujarat and reached India. He visited the kingdoms of Pacamur, C.Melly, and Vijayanagara. Devaraya I was sworn on the throne of Vijayanagara at the time.