NCERT HISTORY CLASS-VI
CHAPTER-IX PART-1
ABOUT TRADE
Through several kinds of research done by the Archaeologists in different sites, found many crafts which are not originated in that place. How did these happen? This happened only when the things were on a move this means 'Trade'. Giving or replacing things for things at a distant place and earn through it. This is what Traders do, They also played the most important roles in the history of life. The things which have not belonged here are also found in the subcontinent, this is due to the influence of trade. Gold, spices, and precious stone were famous in south India. Especially, pepper is most important and called Black Gold which is valued high in Roman Empire and it is carried there across sea, land, paid with Roman gold coins that were found by archaeologists in south sites. The traders explored many sea routes, shortest paths, and traveled quickly by taking advantage of the monsoon winds. Hard and sturdy ships were built for long travels.
NEW COASTAL KINGDOMS
In the south, many remarkable plateaus, coastal areas, river valleys were there, In that. the most fertile valley is Kaveri. Many kingdoms were developed along the coastal area because the kings who controlled the river valleys and coasts were more powerful. Around 2300 years ago, The Sangam poems mentioned the Muvendars - The heads of three ruling families - The CHOLAS, CHERAS, and PANDYAS. All of them have one inland and one coast center from which they expand their power of influence. The most important is the capital of Pandyas - Madurai and the port city of Cholas - Kaveripattinam.
The chiefs won't collect taxes instead they demand gifts and tribute from the people and neighboring areas, They were distributed to supporters, armies, family members, the poets who were composing in the Sangams and who preaches the king would be rewarded more with gold, horses, elephants, and cloths. The Satavahana dynasty become more powerful at that time, the important ruler of Satavahana was Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni. All the rulers of this dynasty were known as Lords of the Dakshinapatha.
SILK ROUTES
The techniques of making silk were first invented in China about 7000 years ago and the process of preparation is kept very secret for a long period of time. The rich and glossy color of silk with its smooth texture makes it a more valuable fabric than others which is extracted from the cocoon of the silkworm, spun to threads, and to cloths - a complicated process. Many Chinese people traveled to distant places with silk at their back which is called the Silk Route.
Around 2000 years ago, wearing silk cloth becomes fashionable and rich which spread throughout the west side of the world. So, The Chinese rulers send more silk cloths to the kings in Iran and West Asia through the most difficult routes, deserts, mountains. Traders who carried these goods pay taxes along with the people in the trade routes. Many kings took advantage of this, extended their kingdoms for the benefit of taxes, collected gifts that were bought by the traders, and in return, protect them from robbers along the routes.
Many silk routes were passes through the important centers of power were Peshwar, Mathura, and Taxila which all were in control of Kushanas - The best silk route ruler. He extended all his power over many possible ways and he is one of the earliest rulers of India to issue gold coins which were used by the Traders along the silk routes.