Question

What were the factors that attracted traders to medieval India?

Answer 1

Instructions: The question is for three marks. So the answer must include at least three points about the attractiveness of India to foreign traders such as:

1. Favourable conditions
2. Indian goods in great demand
3. Huge profit for traders

Solution:

1. The agricultural progress of the medieval period created favourable conditions for the prosperity of trade and commerce. Weaving and other handicrafts also developed greatly during this period.
2. Indian spices, textiles, leather, gems, sandalwood, metals, pearls, ivory, etc. were in great demand in foreign countries. These commodities attracted traders to India.
3. Several traders from different parts of the world such as the Chinese, Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, English and French traders reached India in the medieval period. These traders sold Indian commodities to their home countries at a huge profit.