Question

India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with South-East Asia across the Bay of Bengal. For this pre-eminence of early maritime history of Bay of Bengal, which of the following could be the most convincing explanation/explanations?

• A. As compared to other countries, India had a better ship-building technology in ancient and medieval times
• B. The rulers of Southern India always patronized traders, Brahmin priests and Buddhist monks in this context
• C. Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages
• D. Both 'a' and 'b'

Answer 1

The correct option is D Both 'a' and 'b'

The maintenance of early cultural contracts and trade links with South-East Asia across the Bay of Bengal can be attributed to the advanced(as compared to other countries) ship-building technology in ancient and medieval times. Also, the rulers of Southern India always patronized traders, Brahmin priest and Buddhist monks for cultural correspondence.