U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 1998

Ancient Geopolitics

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Read these statements: **Assertion (A):** Kushans traded through Gulf of Persian and Red Sea. **Reason (R):** Their well organised naval force base was highly qualified. In context to the above which is the correct answer:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Ancient empires often dominated specific logistical corridors; however, land-based dominance did not always equate to naval supremacy.

Explanation While the Kushans facilitated trade connecting the Indian Ocean routes (Gulf of Persia/Red Sea) to the Silk Road, they primarily controlled land-based territories. There is no historical evidence of a highly qualified Kushan naval force.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1 (Assertion is True): The Kushan empire was a vital middleman for trade between Rome and China, including sea-to-land transfer points.
Logic 2 (Reason is False): Kushan power was concentrated in the hinterlands of Central Asia and Northern India. They relied on local maritime traders rather than building their own naval base.

Active Recall

Question

Which trade route was the primary source of Kushan wealth?

Answer

The Silk Road, which crossed through the heart of the Kushan empire, was their primary source of wealth and influence.

Core Insight

The Kushans illustrate the power of 'transit' empires that derive strength from controlling the junctions of global trade rather than direct naval power.