Indian Ocean Trade Network

Definition

• The Indian Ocean trade refers to a network of sea routes connecting various states throughout Afro-Eurasia.
• This network was in use long before around 1200 but expanded significantly during this time period.

Causes of Expansion

1. Collapse of the Mongol Empire (14th Century)

   • The fall of the Mongol Empire led to decreased safety along the Silk Roads, thus increasing focus on maritime trade in the Indian Ocean.
   • Maritime means sea-based.

2. Innovations in Commercial Practices

   • Adoption of money economies and credit facilitated trade, making these routes more widely used.

3. Innovations in Transportation Technology

   • Improvements in navigation technologies:
     • Magnetic Compass: Helped determine direction.
     • Astrolabe: Used to measure stars for accurate location reckoning.
     • Latin Sail: Allowed ships to harness wind from various directions.
   • Trade facilitated by monsoon winds that changed directions seasonally.
   • Shipbuilding Advances:
     • The Chinese Junk: Large ships capable of carrying significant cargo.
     • Enhanced dhows: Made by Arab traders, larger and more efficient.

4. Spread of Islam

   • Islam was supportive of trade, having been founded by a merchant.
   • Promoted trade along both land (Silk Roads) and sea routes (Indian Ocean).

Effects of Expansion

1. Growth of Powerful Trading Cities

   • Swahili City States: Located on the East Coast of Africa, grew wealthy by trading gold, ivory, and enslaved people.
   • Malacca: Rich due to control over the Strait of Malacca, taxing ships passing through.
   • Gujarat: Positioned as a midpoint for trade between East Africa and Asia, trading cotton textiles and indigo for gold and silver.

2. Increased Establishment of Diasporic Communities

   • Diaspora: Groups of people from one place establishing homes in another while retaining their cultural customs.
   • Example: Chinese merchants created permanent communities in Southeast Asia, facilitating trade through local interactions.

3. Cultural and Technological Transfers

   • Cultural exchanges were as significant as trade in goods.
   • Merchants brought religions, languages, and technologies from one place to another.
   • Example: Admiral Zheng He from the Ming Dynasty:
     • Commanded a fleet of 300 ships and over 27,000 men on voyages to explore the Indian Ocean.
     • Introduced military technology like gunpowder cannons, which were later adopted by various regions.

Conclusion

• The Indian Ocean trade network was a significant driver of economic, cultural, and technological exchanges that shaped early maritime history.