Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
The rise of European colonial powers
B
The establishment of the Silk Road
C
The development of monsoon wind patterns
D
The discovery of new sea routes to the Americas
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
The main reason Indian Ocean trade boomed in the medieval period was the reliable monsoon wind system that let ships sail east and west on a predictable schedule, so merchants could plan long‑haul voyages. With this natural “highway” in place, traders from Arabia, Persia, India, China, and Southeast Asia began to exchange spices, textiles, precious metals, and luxury goods at a growing scale. The increased traffic created a network of ports that offered ships places to load, unload, and repair, which in turn encouraged more merchants to join the trade. For example, pepper from Kerala could reach Chinese markets in a few months, turning a regional spice into a global commodity. This combination of predictable winds, expanding markets, and the rise of merchant guilds turned the Indian Ocean into a bustling commercial corridor.
Detailed Explanation
The Indian Ocean trade grew because the monsoon winds blew in predictable directions. Other options are incorrect because European colonial powers were not a factor in medieval Indian Ocean trade; The Silk Road was an overland network connecting Asia and Europe.
Key Concepts
Indian Ocean Trade Networks
Monsoon wind patterns
Cultural exchange
Topic
Indian Ocean Trade Networks
Difficulty
hard level question
Cognitive Level
understand
Practice Similar Questions
Test your understanding with related questions
1
Question 1What was a primary cause of the flourishing trade in the Indian Ocean during the medieval period?
mediumHistory
Practice
2
Question 2Imagine you are a merchant in the 15th century planning a voyage across the Indian Ocean to trade spices from the Spice Islands for textiles from India. Which factor would be most critical to ensure a successful trading expedition?
easyHistory
Practice
3
Question 3What was the primary reason for the increase in trade along the Indian Ocean routes during the 14th and 15th centuries?
hardHistory
Practice
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