Q, Which of the following was the wonderful discovery made by Hippalus in A.D. 45, leading to increasing of trade with Rome?
(a) Fitting of sails to the ships
(b) Propelling of ship with mechanical aid
(c) The existence of the monsoon winds, blowing across the Indian Ocean
(d) A shorter route for Rome to the eastern coast of India
Ans: (c) The existence of the monsoon winds, blowing across the Indian Ocean
Explanation: The correct answer is (c) The existence of the monsoon winds, blowing across the Indian Ocean.
Hippalus, a Greek navigator, made the remarkable discovery of the predictable monsoon winds that blew across the Indian Ocean. This discovery, made around A.D. 45, revolutionized maritime trade between India and Rome. The monsoon winds provided a reliable and efficient means of navigation, allowing ships to sail from the western coast of India to the Arabian Sea and vice versa. This discovery opened up new trade routes and facilitated the growth of commerce between India and the Roman Empire.