Lecture 2: Trade and the Subcontinent of India

In this lecture you will learn about:

• The Subcontinent of India in Trade: Trade and India, Impact of Indian Ocean Trade in India, Impact on Architecture;
• Evolution of Trade in India: 800-1300 CE, 1300-1500 CE, 1500-1800 CE;
• Port Cities: Port Cities Role, Cambay, Goa;
• Hinterland Trade Centres: Hinterland Trade Routes; Bijapur.

Summary:

The Indian Ocean trade exerted a significant impact on the development of the Indian historical landscape. 

The emergence and expansion of port cities, including but not limited to Cambay, Surat, Kalyan, Chaul, Dabul, Goa, Mangalore, Calicut, and Cochin, which evolved into prominent commercial hubs, contributed to significant wealth generation and introduced extensive social, cultural and artistic influences. 

The advent of the Portuguese in the early 15th century disturbed the prevailing pattern of maritime commercial activities and introduced European maritime and political influence across the Indian Ocean region. 

In subsequent years, the management of the spice and other lucrative trading opportunities were assumed by the Dutch, French and eventually, the British, resulting in an unprecedented volume of trade and exchange. 

Indian Ocean trade shaped economic practice (e.g., Chinese fishing techniques, porcelain trade), introduced new religious and cultural influences (Islam, Christianity), and shaped architecture and town configurations, not only in coastal port cities (e.g., Cochin, Cambay, Goa) but deep inland along the hinterland trade routes (e.g., Bijapur).

ArCHIAM. “Lecture 2: "Trade and the Subcontinent of India.” Part 2 of 4 presentations developed for the Aga Khan Trust for Culture Education Programme, 2023.

Aga Khan Trust for Culture Education Programme and the Centre for the Study of Architecture and Cultural Heritage of India, Arabia, and Maghreb (University of Liverpool)