Indian Ocean Trade Network

Overview

• The Indian Ocean trade network connected various states in Afro-Eurasia through a series of sea routes.
• Expanded significantly around 1200, though it was in use long before that.

Causes for Expansion

1. Collapse of the Mongol Empire

   • Mongol control facilitated Silk Road trade.
   • Fall of the Mongols led to less safe land routes, increasing reliance on maritime trade.
   • "Maritime" means sea-based.

2. Innovations in Commercial Practices

   • Use of money economies and credit systems made trading more efficient.
   • Similar practices were used on the Silk Road.

3. Innovations in Transportation Technology

   • Navigation Technologies: Enhancements in magnetic compass and astrolabe for better navigation.
   • Ship Improvements: Larger ships like the Chinese junk and improved dhows allowed more cargo.
   • Monsoon Winds: Knowledge of predictable winds facilitated regular trade patterns.

4. Spread of Islam

   • Islam supported merchant activities; Muhammad was a merchant.
   • Created connectivity along sea routes similar to land routes (Silk Roads).

Effects of Expansion

1. Growth of Powerful Trading Cities

   • Swahili City States: Grew wealthy by trading gold, ivory, and slaves, built mosques to show wealth.
   • Malacca: Controlled Strait of Malacca, taxed ships, grew rich and powerful.
   • Gujarat: Located on India's west coast, traded cotton textiles and indigo, taxed ships, increased wealth.

2. Establishment of Diaspora Communities

   • Diaspora: Dispersed communities maintaining cultural customs.
   • Chinese merchants in Southeast Asia; Arab and Persian merchants in East Africa.
   • Facilitated trade and cultural exchanges.

3. Cultural and Technological Transfers

   • Significant exchanges of religion, language, and technology.
   • Admiral Zheng He: His voyages for Ming Dynasty spread gunpowder technology and promoted state-led trade.

Notable Examples

• Admiral Zheng He: Led massive fleets on diplomatic and trade missions, demonstrated technological prowess.
• Technological Advances: Adoption of gunpowder cannons and enhanced trade partnerships.

• The cultural and technological exchanges were as significant as the goods traded.

Conclusion

• Indian Ocean trade fostered economic and cultural growth, with long-lasting impacts on connected regions.