Page 72 - SST Class 06

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Traders, Kings and Pilgrims

India is a country in South Asia whose name
comes from the Indus River. The name ‘Bharata’
is used as a designation for the country in their
constitution referencing the ancient mythological
emperor, Bharata, whose story is told, in part, in
the Indian epic Mahabharata. According to the
writings known as the Puranas (religious/histori-
cal texts written down in the 5th century CE),
Bharata conquered the whole sub-continent of Egypt
India and ruled the land in peace and harmony.
HOW TO FIND OUT ABOUT TRADE
The land was, therefore, known as Bharatavarsha
AND TRADERS?
(the subcontinent of Bharata). Homonid activity
in the Indian subcontinent stretches back over We have learnt about the Black Polished Ware
250,000 years and it is, therefore, one of the from northern India. These fine pieces of pottery,
oldest inhabited regions on the planet. mainly, the plates and bowls, found at various
archaeological sites throughout the subcontinent
Archaeological excavations have discovered
reached their final destination one way or the
artifacts used by early humans, including stone
other. This task was accomplished by the traders.
tools, which suggest an extremely early date for
human habitation and technology in the area. The traders bought these items from the places
where they were made and took them to the
While the civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt
place where they could sell. This proves their
have long been recognised for their celebrated
presence in those places and proves that people
contributions to civilization, India has often been
had trade relations with other countries.
overlooked, especially in the West, though her
history and culture is just as rich. The southern part of the country was famous for
gold, spices, especially pepper and precious
stones. Pepper was the most valued product for
the Roman empire. It was so precious that the
people of that time compared it with gold and
called it ‘black gold’. These things were taken
from here in ships or caravans to the countries,
where they were in great demand. Many gold
coins from the Roman empire have been found
in south India which proves that there must have
been a strong relationship in the field of trade,
Mesopotamia between the two countries.

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