Trade in the Indian empires
Indian empires thrived from trade with foreign countries, mostly because they were the middle-men between China and European civilizations along the Silk Road, and that they had many desirable spices and goods such as ivory, silk, precious stones, etc. Traders from Europe could either sail to India/China or take the overland route. Both routes are very dangerous, as robbers, deserts, and mountains stand in the way of overland travelers, and storms, the monsoon, pirates, disease, and food shortages threaten sea traders. India stands between both routes, so Indian traders act as middlemen between European and Asian traders, buying good from Asia and selling it to Europeans for a higher price. India is in the middle of the sea route as well, since traders have to stop in India if they want to travel to Asia.
Many Europeans established trading ports on the west coast of India, and the increase in foreign trade and money flow boosted the economy of both the Gupta and Mauryan Empires. Roman traders used the winds of the monsoon to get to and back from India. To learn more about trade between Rome and India and how the monsoon helped it, click on the link and then click on the video link: http://www.pbs.org/thestoryofindia/gallery/photos/8.html.
Many Europeans established trading ports on the west coast of India, and the increase in foreign trade and money flow boosted the economy of both the Gupta and Mauryan Empires. Roman traders used the winds of the monsoon to get to and back from India. To learn more about trade between Rome and India and how the monsoon helped it, click on the link and then click on the video link: http://www.pbs.org/thestoryofindia/gallery/photos/8.html.
The spread of ideas and culture through trade also helped India to create many cultural achievements in literature, art, astronomy, mathematics, medicine, etc. Click on the link to learn more.