Q. The sea borne trade between India and Rome received great impetus during the first-second century A.D. on account of the discovery of
(a) Direct sea-route between India and Italy
(b) Monsoon winds blowing regularly across the Indian Ocean
(c) Large gold mines in the Roman Empire
(d) New navigational techniques
Ans: (b) Monsoon winds blowing regularly across the Indian Ocean
Explanation:
The correct answer is (b) Monsoon winds blowing regularly across the Indian Ocean.
During the first and second centuries A.D., the sea trade between India and Rome experienced significant growth, largely due to the discovery and understanding of the monsoon winds. These predictable seasonal winds facilitated maritime navigation between the Indian subcontinent and the Roman Empire. Traders were able to take advantage of the monsoon system, utilizing the southwest monsoon to sail from India to the Arabian Sea and the northeast monsoon to return. This discovery of the monsoon winds greatly enhanced the efficiency and safety of sea routes, leading to increased trade and cultural exchange between India and Rome.
