Question

Why was trade so significant to the Mongols?
NCERT Solutions for Class 11th History Chapter 2 Theme 5 Question 1

Answer 1

Mongols developed the largest empire the world had ever seen up to that time. Even today, it is the world's largest land empire and is next to only the Mighty British Empire.
Their rapid expansion was due in part to superior war skills and an army that was the most efficient war machine of it's time. In order to maintain the vast empire and a ever growing Army, there was a need for a thriving economy, which the Mongols understand was essential if they wanted to continue to grow and become stronger.
More trade meant, more taxes and a bigger and better Army. A thriving economy also meant that all subjects of the empire lived good living standards ensuring peace and harmony

Answer 2

At first, there were trade routes were being used which crossed the area where the Mongols lived, those trade routes were safe for traveling and the Mongols built a really large empire with a huge army in it so in order to take care of them there was a need for trade.

The silk road was used for trade and the items which were being traded are the following:

- Pepper 
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Weapons
- Carpets 
- Leather Goods
And trade also brought the new method for the Mongols to do business which included, Bills, deposit banking, and insurance and the emergence of bills made it easier to trade because the burden of metal coins was less, so the trade was easier.