History of Trade and

Commerce
• The economic and commercial evolution of any land depends upon its
physical environment.
• A network of roads merging into the silk route helped in establishing
commercial and political contacts.
• As these were used for trade of spices they are also known as ‘spice
routes’.
• Chief kingdoms, important trade centres and the industrial belt
flourished.
• Trade and commerce have played a vital role in making India evolve
as a major actor in the economic world in ancient times.
• It was the mainstay of the Indian economy.
• Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were commercial cities.
• It had established commercial connections with Mesopotamia and
traded in various goods.
• Substantial commercial activities and urban development.
• Political economy and military security.
• Trade regulations were planned carefully.
Position of the Indian
subcontinent in the world
economy(1AD st th
up to 1991)
• Between the 1 and 7 centuries CE, India is estimated to have the
largest economy in the ancient and medieval world.
• ‘Swarnbhumi’ ‘swarndweep’
• Megasthenes,Faxian,Xuanzang,al beruni,ibn batuta,Frenchman
francois
• Pre colonial period
• Despite this,18th c India was far behind Europe in tech and innovation.
• Increasing control by EIC caused lack of freedom and no occurrence
of scientific or agricultural revolution.