Which one of the following was one of the reasons for general decline ...
The decline of foreign trade during the later days of this period can be attributed to various reasons. One of the significant factors was the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. Let's delve into the details:
Decline and fall of the Roman Empire:
- The Roman Empire was a major trading partner for many countries, including India, during this period. The decline and eventual fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD led to a significant disruption in international trade.
- With the collapse of a powerful trading partner, the trade routes and networks established by the Romans were disrupted, making it difficult for Indian merchants to engage in foreign trade.
- The Roman Empire had a strong demand for Indian goods such as spices, textiles, and precious stones. The decline of this market resulted in a decrease in Indian exports, leading to a decline in foreign trade.
Therefore, the decline and fall of the Roman Empire had a significant impact on the decline of foreign trade during the later days of this period.
In addition to the decline of the Roman Empire, other factors also contributed to the general decline of foreign trade:
Arabs and Chinese outstripped the Indians in the art of ship construction:
- The Arabs and Chinese had advanced shipbuilding techniques and technologies, which gave them an advantage in maritime trade.
- This led to a decline in Indian dominance in the shipping industry, as the Arabs and Chinese were able to build larger and more efficient ships, enabling them to transport goods more effectively.
Indian law-makers declared it a great sin for a Hindu to travel by sea:
- The Indian society during this period was predominantly Hindu, and some Hindu law-makers discouraged travel by sea, considering it a sin.
- This religious belief might have discouraged Indian merchants from engaging in overseas trade, limiting their participation in foreign trade activities.
Both land and sea routes were very unsafe:
- During this period, both land and sea routes were plagued by various issues such as piracy, banditry, and political instability.
- These unsafe conditions made it risky for merchants to transport goods, leading to a decrease in foreign trade.
In conclusion, the decline and fall of the Roman Empire, along with other factors such as the advancement of shipbuilding techniques by Arabs and Chinese, religious beliefs discouraging sea travel, and unsafe trade routes, contributed to the general decline of foreign trade during the later days of this period.
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