Detailed Summary
From the sixth century BCE, a network of land and river routes emerged across the Indian subcontinent, facilitating trade both internally and with distant lands. These routes not only connected various regions within the subcontinent but also extended into Central Asia, the Arabian Sea, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Traders, seafarers, and peddlers participated in this vibrant exchange, transporting a diverse range of goods including spices, textiles, pearls, and metals. The passage also highlights key aspects of commercial dynamics, such as the rise of successful merchants like the masattuvan in Tamil Nadu, who became wealthy through these transactions.
The use of coins, beginning with punch-marked coins in the sixth century BCE, further facilitated trade, providing a standardized currency that supported long-distance exchanges. This development was crucial as it allowed for the efficient transaction of goods and the emergence of more complex economic systems, with political leaders seeking to control these trade routes for profit and influence. Additionally, archaeological evidence suggests that trade networks transcended political boundaries, exemplified by the influx of Roman coins found in South India, underscoring the interconnectedness of ancient economies.