Nonetheless, we did have some exciting discoveries.
 
At the India-Portuguese Museum, we saw many pieces of Chinese pottery and China wares that date back to centuries ago. And inside a synagogue in the city, there may be another clue to Zheng He's visits: Hundreds of old hand-painted Chinese porcelain tiles pave its floor. The tiles are several centuries old. It's said the porcelain tiles were given by Chinese traders to the King who ruled Calicut at that time, but were somehow later given to the local Jewish community.

We also found some other aspects that we believe to be from Chinese influences. For example, the boats at the Cochin beach have protruding dragon tails, very much resembling traditional Chinese wooden dragon boats. More importantly, Cochin also hosts dragon boat festivals, a tradition that can't be found anywhere else in India. The festival originated in China, and is still celebrated here every year.

After returning home from my trip, I consulted professor Geng XX, from Beijing University's Indian Research Center. Her explanation for the lack of clarity of that part of history in India is that the country lacks an official written history.

Yet she confirmed Zheng He's visits to Cochin.

"Between 1405 to 1433, Zheng He and his expedition ships started out from China's East Sea and arrived at India's west coast seven times. The first three times, he stopped at cochin and Calicut, which is close to present-day Cochin. Beginning in his fourth voyage, he headed to Africa after a stop at Calicut. When he first arrived at Calicut, he brought many gifts from the Chinese emperor to the king of Calicut. These stories are all recorded in the books written by Ma Huan, one of his followers. Ma Huan also noted how they sealed deals with the locals by clasping each other's hands according to the local custom."

But in the end, whether the Chinese fishing nets were introduced by Zheng He or by other Chinese traders is not important. What is important is perhaps what Tilakan, our friend on the plane to Cochin, said to us.

"China and India have similar a cultural background and ancient civilization. Our two countries should strength our exchanges. I hope there will be more Chinese visiting India, visiting Kalera and also more Indians going to China. We could learn from each other, enhance our understanding and friendship with each other."