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?
UPSC CSE Pre. 2011
A. As compared to other countries, India had a better ship-building technology in ancient and medieval times
B. The rulers of southern India always patronized traders, Brahmin priests and Buddhist monks in this context
C. Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages
D. Both (a) and (b) are convincing explanations in this context
Answer: Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages
Option c is the correct answer.
Monsoon winds were a more convincing reason for trade with South East Asia in the Bay of Bengal. The use of monsoon wind in the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal for maritime trade was a boon to the sailing ships to reach overseas countries. Indians set their journey to Southeast Asian countries during the northeast monsoon (trade wind) and return during the Southwest monsoon. The flow of wind and current was favourable for setting sail for both onward and return journey.