Question Q.5How did...contributeGS1GS1

How did the ancient trade routes connecting India to foreign countries contribute to the exchange and dissemination of culture?

Introduction

The rich civilizational culture of India had along centripetal tendencies, and was aided by trade and commercial ties.

18 words

Main Body

Role of Trade Routes:

1Geographically central position => vis-vis uncovering to several important trade routes connecting India to SE asia, West Asia, Europe, Africa etc.

[Diagram showing trade routes: Japan, China, SE asia, N. Africa connecting to India]

2Trade with China => passing through silk route => spread of Mahayana Buddhism in Uina.

3Spice Trade between Java, Sumatra and India => as confirmed by men Tsang => 'Suvarnabhumi' => spread of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism in Indonesia, Siam, Cambodia etc.

Eg: Suryavarman II built Angkor Wat temple.

4Commercial and Trade ties with ancient Greece & [Europe] => presence of Greek architectural influence => giving rise to Gandhara school of Art.

5Rise of Mahayana Buddhism in India, during Kushana rule => influence of central asian rulers through extensive trade routes.

6World Navy power => considered important connector to Bay of Bengal => Asean islands => Tamil culture in Srilanka etc.

Thus, ancient trade routes played an extremely important role in spread of culture & exchanges, owing to stable political kingdoms.

198 words3 paragraphs

Diagram

Map showing ancient trade routes connecting India to Japan, China, SE Asia, N. Africa and other regions

Clear geographical framework
Multiple trade route examples
Specific cultural examples provided
Includes diagram

Open original scan

Page 15

Topper

Ritika Chitlangia

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times

Ancient Trade Routes and Cultural Exchange

Silk Route and Maritime Trade

Writing Stats

216

Total words

Paragraphs

analytical and structured

Tone