Test: Traders, Kings & Pilgrims - UPSC MCQ

South India was famous for gold, spices, especially pepper, and precious stones. Pepper was particularly valued in the Roman Empire, so much so that it was known as black gold. So, traders carried many of these goods to Rome in ships, across the sea, and by land in caravans.

Roman Gold Coins Found in South India

The discovery of Roman gold coins in South India provides evidence of ancient trade and cultural connections between the Roman Empire and the southern regions of the Indian subcontinent. These findings shed light on the historical interactions and exchanges that occurred between the two civilizations.

Here is a detailed explanation of the discovery of Roman gold coins in South India:

1. Introduction

The presence of Roman gold coins in South India indicates the existence of trade networks and contact between the Roman Empire and the southern regions of India. These coins serve as tangible evidence of the historical connections and exchanges that took place between the two ancient civilizations.

2. Historical Context

During the ancient period, the Roman Empire was one of the most powerful and influential civilizations in the world. It had extensive trade networks that reached far and wide, including regions in Africa, Europe, and Asia. India, known for its wealth and resources, was an important trading partner for the Romans.

3. Roman Trade with India

The Romans had a keen interest in the exotic goods and valuable resources that India had to offer, such as spices, textiles, precious stones, and metals. To facilitate trade, Roman merchants established maritime routes connecting the Red Sea with the Arabian Sea, allowing them to access Indian ports.

4. Roman Gold Coins

Roman gold coins, known as aurei, were widely used as a form of currency during the Roman Empire. These coins were made of pure gold and featured various designs and inscriptions that symbolized Roman authority and power. They were used for trade and commerce within the Roman Empire and beyond.

5. Discovery of Roman Gold Coins in South India

Archaeological excavations and chance discoveries have revealed the presence of Roman gold coins in South India. These coins were found in various locations, including ancient port cities, temple complexes, and burial sites. The discovery suggests that South India was an important destination for Roman traders and merchants.

6. Significance of the Discovery

The discovery of Roman gold coins in South India highlights the extent of trade and cultural interactions between the Roman Empire and India. It demonstrates that South India was an active participant in the global trade networks of the time. The presence of these coins also indicates the influence and reach of the Roman Empire in the Indian subcontinent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Roman gold coins have been found in South India, providing evidence of ancient trade and cultural connections between the Roman Empire and the southern regions of the Indian subcontinent. The discovery of these coins sheds light on the historical interactions and exchanges that occurred between the two civilizations, emphasizing the significance of South India as a trading partner for the Romans.

The Silk Route was a historic trade route that dated from the second century BC until the 14th century AD and stretched from China to the Mediterranean. The Silk Route was so named because of the heavy silk trading during that period. This valuable fabric originated in China, which initially had a monopoly on silk production until the secrets of its creation spread. The Silk Route traversed China, India, Persia, Arabia, Greece and Italy. In addition to silk, the route facilitated the trade of other fabrics, spices, grains, fruits and vegetables, animal hides, wood and metal work, precious stones and other items of value. The Silk Route was also known as the Silk Road.

Bhakti  literally means "attachment, participation, fondness for, homage, faith, love, devotion, worship, purity". ... Bhakti ideas have inspired many popular texts and saint-poets in India. The Bhagavata Purana, for example, is a Krishna-related text associated with the Bhakti movement in Hinduism.

Traders explored several sea routes. Some of these followed the coasts. There were others across the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, where sailors took advantage of the monsoon winds to cross the seas more quickly. So, if they wanted to reach the western coast of the subcontinent from East Africa or Arabia, they chose to sail with the south-west monsoon. And sturdy ships had to be built for these long journeys.

The correct answer is D as madurai was the capital city of Pandyas. The Pandyas were ousted from Madurai by the Chola dynasty during the early 9th century.The city remained under the control of the Cholas until the early 13th century, when the second Pandyan empire was established with Madurai as its capital.

The correct option is B.
After the death of Buddha, Buddhism was divided into two sects namely Mahayana and Hinayana.

C is the correct option.
Over 2000 years ago, in the time of Julius Caesar, the Roman Empire was one of the most powerful empires in the world. The Romans loved the Black Pepper and bought it from here, in Southern India. They paid for it in gold, which is why the spice was also called Black Gold.

The correct answer is option (C). Kushanas were among the earliest rulers who issued gold coins. The main coins issued were gold, weighing 7.9 grams, and base metal issues of various weights between 12 g and 1.5 g. Little silver coinage was issued, but in later periods the gold used was debased with silver.

The Bhagavad Gita – the holy book of the Hindus – an ancient scripture that assimilates the fundamental truths of life has inspired the world in the past and will continue to instil motivating thoughts in the minds of the future generations.