Question

Describe the trade in southern kingdom between 200 BC and300 AD

Answer 1

The Malabar coast and the east coast of Tamilnadu were visited by Roman ships in search of trade. The empire of Rome controlled all the lands of the Mediterranean at this time and there was a great demand for Indian luxury goods in the markets of Rome. Spices, textiles, precious stones, birds such as the peacock and animals like the monkey were what Romans wanted most from India. Roman ships used to come from the Red Sea across the Arabian Sea to the Malabar coast or up the straits of Mannar to the east coast. The Romans would fill their ships with the goods they wanted and pay for them in gold return to Rome. The Roman gold made the South Indian kingdoms very rich.

The Romans also lived in towns on the South Indian coasts. Here they collected the goods and made them ready to be shipped to Rome. One of these towns, Arikamedu (which is close to Pondicherry), has been excavated. Many Roman objects were found here. Ships from these ports also went to South-east Asia and some Indian merchants were trading with China as well. Inspite of the difficulties of travelling by ship, there were enough adventurous people who were willing to take the risk. Within India, goods from South India were now being sent to the north. The export of precious stones from the South brought in much wealth for the southern kingdoms.