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Ancient maritime trade of the eastern Indian littoral

DRS at CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography

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Title Ancient maritime trade of the eastern Indian littoral
 
Creator Tripati, S.
 
Subject maritime trade
monsoon winds
 
Description Before the discovery of the monsoon winds by Hippalus in AD 45–47, the mariners of the east coast of India were aware of the monsoon wind and currents and used them for maritime trade. The maritime trade from India to Southeast Asia was a seasonal phenomenon. The distribution of Buddhist settlements, discovery of varieties of pottery, beads and inscriptions along the ports and trade centres point to active maritime trade between India and Southeast Asia. Further, the representation of art on the walls of the caves, stupas and temples indicate that Buddhist monks, saints, traders and craftsmen used to set sail together. Over a period of time, ancient methods of maritime trade disappeared, and are now only remembered and celebrated as rituals and social events along the east coast of India. This communication details how the monsoon wind and currents favoured mariners during their onward and return voyages to Southeast Asia. In order to understand the past monsoon wind and current patterns, the prevailing wind pattern and ocean circulations have been taken into account because for centuries no major changes have been observed in the southwest and northeast monsoons. The findings of varieties in pottery, beads, etc. along the ports and Buddhist settlements show that all these played a significant role in disseminating Indian culture in overseas lands
 
Date 2011-04-15T07:46:57Z
2011-04-15T07:46:57Z
2011
 
Type Journal Article
 
Identifier Current Science, vol.100(7); 2011; 1076-1086
http://drs.nio.org/drs/handle/2264/3840
 
Language en
 
Rights Copyright [2011]. All efforts have been made to respect the copyright to the best of our knowledge. Inadvertent omissions, if brought to our notice, stand for correction and withdrawal of document from this repository.
 
Publisher Current Science Association