Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
Greater diversity of goods and cultures
B
Exclusive trade of silk and spices
C
Focus on overland routes
D
Primarily agricultural exchanges
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
Indian Ocean trade was mainly carried out by sea, so merchants used sailing ships that followed predictable monsoon wind patterns, allowing them to travel back and forth each year. This maritime system let traders move large quantities of goods—like spices, textiles, and precious metals—much faster than the land‑based Silk Road, which was slower and more dangerous. Because the ships could carry many more items, the trade network included a wider variety of cultures and products, from African gold to Chinese porcelain. For example, pepper from the Malabar coast could be shipped to China in a single season, whereas a Silk Road caravan would take months to reach the same destination. Thus, the key difference is that Indian Ocean trade relied on sea routes and monsoon winds, enabling rapid, large‑scale commerce across diverse peoples.
Detailed Explanation
Indian Ocean trade linked many seas, bringing goods, ideas, and people from Africa, Arabia, India, China, and beyond. Other options are incorrect because Some think the Indian Ocean trade was only about silk and spices, but it transported many other things too; Many imagine that the Indian Ocean trade relied on roads, but it was all about ships sailing between ports.
Key Concepts
Indian Ocean Trade Network
Cultural Exchange
Maritime Trade
Topic
Indian Ocean Trade
Difficulty
easy level question
Cognitive Level
understand
Practice Similar Questions
Test your understanding with related questions
1
Question 1Indian Ocean Trade : Port Cities :: Silk Road : ?
hardHistory
Practice
2
Question 2How did the Indian Ocean trade network influence the cultures of the regions it connected?
mediumHistory
Practice
3
Question 3Which 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
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 5Silk trade in the Indian Ocean Trade Networks is to the spread of culture as spices from Southeast Asia are to what?
mediumHistory
Practice
6
Question 6Which of the following were significant outcomes of the Indian Ocean Trade Networks? Select all that apply.
easyHistory
Practice
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