Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Which one of the following ports handled the North Indian trade during the Gupta period?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: A
Concept
The Gupta Empire utilized strategic coastal outlets on both the East and West coasts to facilitate domestic and international trade, with specific ports dominating regional corridors.Explanation
Tamralipti, located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal (modern-day Tamluk, West Bengal), was the primary port handling trade for North India and the Gangetic valley. It served as a departure point for missions to Sri Lanka and a hub for Buddhist learning.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Tamralipti was the exit point for the vast resources of the Suhma Kingdom and Magadha.
Logic 2: Bhadoch (Barygaza) and Cambay were vital western ports but primarily served the Western and Deccan trade routes rather than the core North Indian heartland.
Logic 3: Kalyan was an ancient Satavahana port focused on trade with West Asia and Africa, situated in the western Deccan.