Which one of the following statements regarding the foreign trade duri...
The correct option is D.
Indo-Roman trade relations was trade between the Indian subcontinent and the Roman Empire in Europe and the Mediterranean Sea. Trade through the overland caravan routes via Asia Minor and the Middle East, though at a relative trickle compared to later times, antedated the southern trade route via the Red Sea and monsoons which started around the beginning of the Common Era (CE) following the reign of Augustus and his conquest of Egypt in 30 BCE.
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Which one of the following statements regarding the foreign trade duri...
Foreign Trade during the Pre-Gupta period
Indian maritime trade was highly developed during the pre-Gupta period. The Indian merchants had established trade links with various countries in the ancient world. Some of the major trading partners of India during the pre-Gupta period were Rome, Egypt, Southeast Asia, Persia, and China.
Mercantile Community of Indians in an Island off the African Coast
There was a mercantile community of Indians in an island off the African coast. The island was named after the Indian merchants who had settled there. The island was known as Socotra, and it was located off the coast of present-day Yemen.
Direct Sea Trade with India
The Ptolemics of Egypt and Roman Emperors encouraged the development of direct sea trade with India. The Roman Empire was particularly interested in Indian goods such as spices, textiles, and precious stones. The Indian merchants used the monsoon winds to sail across the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea and then on to the Mediterranean.
Consular Relations between India and the Roman Empire
The trade links between India and the Roman Empire were so strong that they eventually led to consular relations between the two powers. The consular relations were established during the reign of Augustus, the first Roman Emperor. The Roman Empire had a consulate in the city of Broach in Gujarat, and the Indian merchants had a consulate in the city of Alexandria in Egypt.
Conclusion
Thus, it is clear that the statement "These trade links did not lead to consular relations between India and the Roman Empire" is incorrect. The trade links between India and the Roman Empire were strong enough to lead to consular relations between the two powers.
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