Voyages and Trade: Special Reference To Zheng He Voyages to Malacca in Malaysia During 15th Century

The study aims to trace Zheng He's voyages in South and South-East Asia from 1403 to 1433, understand his cultural influence, socio-cultural influence in, Malaysia and understand his diplomatic policy. It employs an exploratory and descriptive methodology, utilizing primary and secondary data. Zheng He, born Ma He in 1371 CE, was a Chinese explorer who was castrated as eunuchs by the Ming dynasty. Malacca, a well-established city in Malaysia, was a significant trade center during the Ming Dynasty. The city was a hub for Arabian, Persian, and Indian merchants, and was a significant commercial center in Southeast Asia. During the Ming Dynasty, Malacca successfully liberated itself from invasions by Majapahit and Siam. Zheng He recognized Malacca's potential to become a prominent maritime force in Southeast Asia and facilitated commercial operations. Malacca's Poh San Teng Temple, is a significant local Chinese cultural attraction. The temple, inspired by Zheng He's expeditions, is the largest Chinese tomb mountain outside China. On the thirty-first day of the sixth lunar month, Poh San Teng hosts a significant celebration to commemorate Zheng He's arrival in Malacca.