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A
True
B
False
Understanding the Answer
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Answer
The claim is incorrect. Indian Ocean trade long before the 14th‑15th centuries was dominated by Arab, Persian, Indian, and Chinese merchants, who used simple but reliable monsoon‑based sailing and local knowledge. European traders did not become the main users until the late 15th and early 16th centuries, after the Portuguese reached Calicut in 1498. Their advantage was more in shipbuilding and gunpowder than in navigation technology, which had been developed earlier by the locals. For example, Vasco da Gama’s 1498 voyage proved that Europeans could join the trade, but it was a later development, not a 14th‑century phenomenon.
Detailed Explanation
During the 14th and 15th centuries, trade in the Indian Ocean was driven by African, Arab, Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian merchants. Other options are incorrect because People often think Europe led all sea trade early on because it later became powerful.
Key Concepts
Indian Ocean Trade Routes
Monsoon Winds
Global Trade Networks
Topic
Indian Ocean Trade Routes
Difficulty
easy level question
Cognitive Level
understand
Practice Similar Questions
Test your understanding with related questions
1
Question 1Order the following events in the development of Indian Ocean trade from earliest to latest: A) Establishment of key port cities, B) Increased demand for spices in Europe, C) Formation of maritime trade alliances, D) Arrival of European explorers.
easyHistory
Practice
2
Question 2Which of the following regions were significantly involved in the Indian Ocean Trade Routes during the 14th and 15th centuries? (Select all that apply)
easyHistory
Practice
3
Question 3How did the Monsoon winds influence trade in the Indian Ocean during the 14th and 15th centuries?
mediumHistory
Practice
4
Question 4What was the primary reason for the increase in trade along the Indian Ocean routes during the 14th and 15th centuries?
hardHistory
Practice
5
Question 5How did the Monsoon winds influence trade patterns in the Indian Ocean during the 14th and 15th centuries?
mediumHistory
Practice
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