Surabaya, Curabhaya or Surabhaya?

I would like to comment on the article about "Surabaya" in The Jakarta Post on Dec. 2, page 18.

I am convinced that Surabaya port has been known since before Borobudur temple was built, not just in the year 1293.

In Sanskrit Sura means God, or deity. It is strange also if a shark was called Sura by modern historians. The Sanskrit word Surabhaya means "that which produces a sweet smell". This is more logical, because Surabaya port was a port where the export of the sweet-smelling sandalwood from East Java and Nusa Tenggara was done.

In Javanese sura means brave, and baya means frightening or dangerous.

Also, If the name "Surabaya" is linked to king Raden Wijaya's success in driving away the Chinese-Moghul invaders, then the name should be "Jayabaya" which means "successful in overcoming danger".

SUNARTO PRAWIROSUJANTO Jakarta