Before the sixteenth century, the Indian subcontinent was central to Indian Ocean trade. How did the arrival…

Question

Before the sixteenth century, the Indian subcontinent was central to Indian Ocean trade. How did the arrival of European sailors change the direction of these existing trade flows?

Accepted Answer

## Model Answer Before the sixteenth century, Indian Ocean trade was centred on the Indian subcontinent, with goods flowing across Asia, the Gulf, and Southeast Asia through ports like Surat and Masulipatam. When European sailors arrived, they redirected these existing trade flows **towards Europe**. European companies gained monopoly rights, causing old ports like Surat and Hoogly to decline, while new colonial ports like Bombay and Calcutta rose. Trade now moved primarily to Europe rather than within Asia. *Source: Conquest, Disease and Trade, Chapter 3; The Age of Indian Textiles, Chapter 4* --- ## Explanation - Examiners expect two clear points: (1) what the trade pattern was *before*, and (2) *how* Europeans changed/redirected it. - Key terms to use: "redirected towards Europe," "monopoly rights," "decline of Surat/Hoogly," "rise of Bombay/Calcutta." - Avoid writing a full essay — two focused points in 40–60 words is exactly right for 2 marks.

Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question