How did India Conqured world's 20 % World Trade Before British Rule ?

India's economic dominance in world trade dates back to ancient times, with evidence of trading activity dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization (2600 BCE-1900 BCE). India's strategic location at the crossroads of East-West trade routes, along with its abundance of valuable resources, made it a vital trading partner for merchants from across the world.

India's trade relations with other countries grew significantly during the medieval period, with the expansion of maritime trade routes across the Indian Ocean. Indian merchants established trading posts in different parts of the world, including Southeast Asia, East Africa, and the Middle East. These trading posts served as hubs for the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies between different civilizations.

The trade relations established by Indian merchants were primarily focused on the export of textiles, spices, and other valuable commodities. India was particularly renowned for its production of cotton textiles, which were in high demand in Europe and other parts of the world. Indian merchants also traded spices such as pepper, cinnamon, and cloves, which were considered luxury goods and were in high demand in Europe and the Middle East.

India's dominance in world trade declined during the colonial period, with the arrival of European powers such as the British, French, and Dutch. These powers established trading posts and monopolized India's trade relations with other countries. India's economy was transformed from a primarily agricultural and trading-based economy to a colonial economy focused on the production of raw materials for export.

Despite this decline in economic dominance, India's role in world trade remained significant. Indian merchants continued to play a crucial role in the exchange of goods and ideas between different civilizations. India's textiles and spices remained in high demand in Europe, and Indian merchants established trading relationships with different parts of the world, including China and Southeast Asia.

In the present day, India's role in world trade has grown significantly. India is now the world's sixth-largest economy and has established trading relationships with different countries across the world. India's economy is primarily focused on the services sector, with industries such as information technology, finance, and healthcare driving economic growth.

Trading Partners :-

India had many trading partners during the period when it was one of the major economic powers in the world. Indian merchants established trading relationships with different parts of the world, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, East Africa, and Europe.

Some of India's most significant trading partners during this period included:

The Middle East: India had strong trade relationships with countries in the Middle East, such as Persia (now Iran), Arabia, and Iraq. Indian merchants traded textiles, spices, and other luxury goods in exchange for pearls, precious stones, and metals.

Southeast Asia: India had strong trade relationships with countries in Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. Indian merchants traded textiles, spices, and other luxury goods in exchange for gold, silver, and other commodities.

East Africa: Indian merchants established trading posts in East Africa, particularly in the cities of Mogadishu and Mombasa. Indian merchants traded textiles, spices, and other luxury goods in exchange for ivory, gold, and other commodities.

Europe: India had a significant trading relationship with Europe, particularly with countries such as Portugal, France, and England. Indian textiles, such as cotton and silk, were in high demand in Europe, and Indian merchants also traded spices, such as pepper and cinnamon, with European traders.

Famous Trading Routes :

There were several famous trade routes in ancient times that were critical to the exchange of goods and ideas between different civilizations. Some of the most famous trade routes include:

The Silk Road: The Silk Road was a network of trade routes that linked China, India, and the Mediterranean world. It was named after the lucrative trade in silk, which was produced in China and exported to the West. The Silk Road was also critical to the exchange of ideas and technologies between different civilizations.

The Spice Route: The Spice Route was a network of trade routes that linked the Mediterranean world, East Africa, Arabia, and India. It was critical to the trade in spices such as pepper, cinnamon, and cloves, which were in high demand in Europe and the Middle East.

The Incense Route: The Incense Route was a network of trade routes that linked the Mediterranean world, East Africa, and Arabia. It was critical to the trade in incense, which was used in religious ceremonies and as a luxury item in the ancient world.

The Amber Road: The Amber Road was a network of trade routes that linked the Baltic Sea region with the Mediterranean world. It was critical to the trade in amber, which was used in jewelry and as a medicinal substance.

The Trans-Saharan Trade Route: The Trans-Saharan Trade Route was a network of trade routes that linked West Africa with North Africa and the Mediterranean world. It was critical to the trade in gold, ivory, and other commodities produced in West Africa.