UPSC Prelims 2011 · Question 26 of 100
UPSC Prelims 2011 question on Bay of Bengal
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2011
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectAncient History
- TopicAncient Art, Literature and Culture
- DifficultyHard
- TypeDirect
India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with Southeast Asia across the Bay of Bengal. For this pre-eminence of early maritime history of Bay of Bengal, which of the following could be the most convincing explanation/explanations?
Show answer
Answer: C. Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages
Verdict
Correct Answer: Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages
Analysis
India maintained early cultural contacts and trade links with Southeast Asia mainly because the monsoon winds made regular sea voyages possible.
The most important natural factor was the seasonal reversal of monsoon winds.
During the South-West Monsoon, winds helped ships sail from India towards Southeast Asia. During the North-East Monsoon, winds helped them return to India. This predictable wind pattern made maritime trade regular, safe and economically viable.
Shipbuilding technology and royal patronage were important supporting factors, but they were not the primary reason. Ships and kingdoms could use the sea routes effectively because the monsoon system already provided a reliable natural route across the Bay of Bengal.
Extra UPSC info
Monsoon winds helped connect India with Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia.
These contacts spread Hinduism, Buddhism, Sanskrit, Indian art, temple architecture and political ideas to Southeast Asia.
Ancient Indian ports like Tamralipti, Kaveripattinam, Arikamedu, Bharuch and Sopara played important roles in maritime trade.
The Cholas later used naval power to expand influence in Southeast Asia.
Indian cultural influence is seen in kingdoms such as Srivijaya, Majapahit and Khmer.
The Greek navigator Hippalus is credited in Western accounts with knowledge of monsoon winds, though Indian and Arab sailors likely knew them earlier.
How to crack it
The predictable reversal of monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal was the main reason for India’s early and sustained trade and cultural contacts with Southeast Asia.