Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
The discovery of new lands by European explorers
B
The establishment of predictable monsoon wind patterns
C
The introduction of advanced navigational technologies by Europeans
D
The decline of land trade routes due to instability in Asia
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
The main reason was a rising demand for spices, textiles, and other luxury goods that made Indian Ocean ports very profitable, so merchants from China, Arabia, and Europe increased their use of these sea routes. Traders from the Indian subcontinent, the Malay Archipelago, and the Arabian Peninsula were eager to sell pepper, cinnamon, and silk to markets in China, Japan, and later Europe, which created a strong incentive to travel. At the same time, the spread of Arabic navigation charts and the use of the astrolabe and magnetic compass made long‑haul voyages safer and faster, encouraging more ships to sail. For example, a Chinese merchant in the 1400s could send a single galley from Guangzhou to the Maldives, load pepper and silk, and then sell those goods in the markets of the Arabian Peninsula, turning a single trip into a highly profitable venture. This combination of high demand and better navigation drove the surge in Indian Ocean trade during the 14th and 15th centuries.
Detailed Explanation
Sailors could count on the monsoon winds to move across the ocean. Other options are incorrect because Many think that the discovery of new lands by Europeans sparked the trade boom; The idea that new European navigation tools caused the boom is misleading.
Key Concepts
Monsoon winds
Indian Ocean Trade
Economic systems
Topic
Indian Ocean Trade Routes
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?
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2
Question 2What was a key feature of Indian Ocean trade that differentiated it from the Silk Road?
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3
Question 3Imagine 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?
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4
Question 4Order 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.
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5
Question 5Which of the following regions were significantly involved in the Indian Ocean Trade Routes during the 14th and 15th centuries? (Select all that apply)
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Practice
6
Question 6How did the Monsoon winds influence trade in the Indian Ocean during the 14th and 15th centuries?
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7
Question 7How did the Monsoon winds influence trade patterns in the Indian Ocean during the 14th and 15th centuries?
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8
Question 8What was the primary cause behind the flourishing of trade in the Indian Ocean during the medieval period?
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