write a detailed synopsis on the history of trade and commerce, also highlight any five major trading ports.
Answers
Indian maritime history begins during the 3rd millennium BCE when inhabitants of the Indus Valley initiated maritime trading contact with Mesopotamia.[1] As per the Vedic records. the Indian traders and merchants traded with Far East and the Arabia. During the Maurya period (3rd century BC), there was a definite 'naval department' to supervise the ships and trade. The Indian products reached the Romans during the rule of Augustus and Indian merchants earned about 1 million sistreces annually, which was later, not appreciated by the Romans themselves. The Roman historian Strabo mentions an increase in Roman trade with India following the Roman annexation of Egypt.[2] Strabo reports that during the time when Aelius Gallus was Prefect of Egypt (26-24 BCE), he saw 120 ships ready to leave for India at the Red Sea port of Myos Hormos.[3]