The five major cities are Varanasi, Taxila, Surat, kaveripatnam and Ujjain

Major commercial cities of ancient India:

1. Mathura:
Mathura was a prominent commercial city in ancient India known for its trade in textiles, perfumes, and precious stones. It was strategically located on the trade route connecting the Gangetic plain with the northwestern regions.

2. Pataliputra:
Pataliputra, the capital of the Mauryan Empire, was a major commercial hub due to its location on the banks of the Ganges River. It was a center for trade in goods such as silk, spices, and metals.

3. Ujjain:
Ujjain was a significant commercial city in ancient India known for its trade in textiles, pottery, and precious metals. It was also a center for astrology and mathematics, attracting scholars and traders from far and wide.

4. Taxila:
Taxila, located in present-day Pakistan, was a key commercial city in ancient India due to its strategic position on the Silk Road. It was a melting pot of cultures and a hub for trade in goods such as silk, spices, and gemstones.

5. Varanasi:
Varanasi, also known as Benares, was a major commercial city in ancient India known for its trade in silk, muslin, and perfumes. It was also a center for religious pilgrimage, attracting traders and merchants from different parts of the country.
These commercial cities played a crucial role in the economic development of ancient India, facilitating trade, commerce, and cultural exchange with neighboring regions. They were hubs of activity where goods from different parts of the country and beyond were exchanged, contributing to the prosperity and growth of the civilization.