Trade in Ancient India

The Indian subcontinent was recognized as a commercial zone of vital importance in the ancient times as revealed through the evidence of early Indian trade since nearly three and a half millennium years ago. Trade and crafts are the developments of surplus agricultural production which was noticed in India for the first time with the rise of urban centres in the Indus Valley Civilisation (2600-1900 BCE).

From the earliest times, Indian trade flourished in all forms, be it limited internal (domestic) or long distance external trade and be it through land or water. The Harappans have been well recognized as accomplished sea-farers as evidenced by depiction of boats on seals, tablets or amulets.

There is evidence that maritime trade continued on a major scale in the Vedic (1500-800 BCE), Mauryan (c. 324-187 BCE), Kushana (circa 30 CE-circa 375) and Gupta periods (3rd century CE-543 CE). “May our ship embark to all quarters of the earth” is mentioned as the motto of Rig Vedic seafarers.

The story of Indo Russia Trade began around 1630 when two Indian traders arrived at Astrakhan for trading and stated to trade horses at Tsar empire who took Indian spices and textiles. Since then, Astrakhan became the hub of trading point of Asia especially with India. The greatest Indian trader of that period in Russia continent was known as Marwari Barayev, who hailed from Rajasthan. By the end of 1991, and decline of the Soviet Era, the Indian songs and films got imminence popularity within the Russian Subcontinent. Since that time until, the two regions dominate the world in the name of “only proven friendhip”.

States of India and people’s map

India is a prosperous country with 29 states and 7 Union territories. Every state of this country has a unique charm, a unique history and a unique culture, which makes it stand apart from the rest. One needs more than a lifetime to explore all the states of India as they offer a wide spectrum of tourism possibilities. You meet multilingual people, delve into their faiths, understand their cultures and savour their cuisines.

States of India offer diverse geographical experiences to travellers. Beach lovers can enjoy the pleasure of sun, sea and sand in states like Goa, Chennai and Kerala. These states house the most immaculate beaches where sun shines with all its grandeur. Then there are states like Jammu and Kashmir, Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh which bring out the most enchanting facets of nature. These states also offer you immense opportunities to partake in the most exciting adventure activities, including river rafting, climbing, paragliding, mountaineering, skiing and camping.

Those looking for culturally rich states of India, Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat, Haryana and Bihar top the charts. The locals of these states follow their cultures and religions by heart which can be seen in their traditional attires, festivals and lifestyle.

Some states of India are known for their serenity as they are still far-away from the modern layers. Visit Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur and Nagaland to experience a whole new side of India which is simple yet stunning, unique yet familiar.

1. Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradeshis the 4th biggest state of India. Visakhapatnam remains a major sea port of the country. Nellore remains a prime agricultural city of Andhra Pradesh. The far stretched paddy fields of Damaramadugu here provide rice in the state and in rest of the country. Often termed as the "Food Bowl of the South", Malkha for picking cotton fabric and Suvasa for some traditional block-printed kurtas and dupattas. Also, pearls of Hyderabad also act as great souvenirs to take back home. Andhra Pradesh ranges from stunning ornaments to handicrafts and from wooden artefacts to brass carvings.

2. Assam

The spectacular gateway to North-East India, Assam remains the most beautiful state of India. The state has a wealth of nature which is untouched and unexplored. This nature lover’s paradise pampers you with majestic sights of Brahmaputra River and wonderful hills. Tea plantation of Assam can never be missed.  Jorhat also houses the largest Tea research station in India and thus, is often termed as the Tea Capital of India. Sualkuchi  place is the real pride of Assam as it is keeps the traditional bamboo looms still alive. Pilgrims visiting Hajo also pay homage at Powa Mecca, a Muslim pilgrimage. Buddhists believe that Hajo is the place where Lord Buddha attained Parinirvana.

3. Bihar

The state has a deep association with Buddhism and Jainism, which lure numerous pilgrims from all over the world. It is home to the holiest Bodhi Tree under which Prince Siddhartha meditated to attain enlightenment. Perhaps the oldest university in India, Nalanda is another significant place in the state underlining the Gupta and Pala period. It is believed that Buddha gave lectures near the mango grove in Nalanda. Muger, often known as the seat of Bihar School of Yoga, Munger also remains highly popular among travellers due to its age old history. The history of Munger goes back to Aryans. Beautifully placed on the southern bank of Ganga, Patna is the biggest city of Bihar state. The city is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on the planet. Shopping in Bihar is all about hand-woven raw Tussar silk, Tikulis, Zari embroidery and Kashida work on fabric. 

4. Goa

It is the real beach paradise of India welcoming travelers from all over the world. One cannot miss out the churches of Goa as they underline the existence of Portuguese in the state in history. Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Old Goa.

5. Gujarat

It has a rich history as it was one of the most significant centers of the Indus Valley Civilization. It’s called the trading capital of India.  Gir National Park is the sole home of the Asiatic lion. One of the holiest sites in India, Dwarkadhish Temple holds great significance among Hindu devotees. Dwarka was the kingdom of Lord Krishna.

6. Haryana

‘The Abode of God’, the state of Haryana is ideal to walk through some majestic places dripping in the waters of spirituality. Probably the best planned city in India, Chandigarh is also called as the “city of gardens”. Pinjore is known for Pinjore Gardens, Asia’s best garden of the 17th century.  Haryana can be rightly titled as the 'Land of Rotis'. Milk products, homemade butter and ghee are highly consumed in the state. For those having sweet tooth gondh (edible gum) and laddus (a sweetmeat made of gram flour) are great treats. Also, to kill summer heat, a glass of chilled lassi is a must.

7. Himanchal Pradesh

Located on the banks of the Beas River, Kullu is often termed as the ‘Valley of Gods’. Shimla was once summer capital of the British. Carpets are extremely popular here and come in various patterns. The State is the “Pharma Hub of India”.                                       

8. Jammu and Kashmir

A pure heaven on earth, Jammu and Kashmir, a northern Indian state, is perhaps an ideal destination to delve into the wonders of Mother Nature. Leh is known for its untouched beauty and exciting adventure activities. Experience a ride across rough mountains, shimmering lakes, divine Gompas and clear skies. Th city of Jammu has “Aquarium at Bagh-e-Bahu (Bahu Fort)” also lures all visitors as it remains the biggest underground aquarium in India. 

9. Jharkhand

The Land of Forests, Jharkhand is a beautiful haven. The capital of Jharkhand, Ranchi is known with the name of the City of Waterfalls. Rightly called the Steel City of India, Jamshedpur is the biggest city in Jharkhand. The city was founded by Jamsedji Nusserwanji Tata, a renowned Industrialist. The ‘Coal Capital of India’, Dhanbad remains one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Jharkhand is a blessing for those having fascination for tribal handicrafts.

10. Karnataka

Karnataka wins the hearts of millions with its majestic aura. The Garden City to the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore is also a booming IT hub of India.

11. Kerela

Rightly called the God’s Own Country, Kerala is the most beautiful Indian state known for its laidback culture and bounty of nature. From traditional classical dances from Kathakali to Kolkali and from Bharat Natyam to Koodiyattam – exploring the dance forms of this state is a sheer pleasure. World renowned for its emerald backwaters, Alleppey houses a network of brackish canals, rivers and lakes, which together add to its spectacular beauty. Kettuvallams” or traditional houseboats adorned beautifully with world class amenities. Kochi, is the home ground of world’s exotic spices. Munar has biggest tea-plantation areas of South India. 

12. Madhya Pradesh

The very heart of India, Madhya Pradesh, The ‘City of Lakes’, Bhopal houses countless number of natural and artificial lakes. Indore, is often tagged as the ‘Commercial Capital’ of Madhya Pradesh. Chanderi and Maheshwari saris which look extremely beautiful with ornaments. 

13. Maharashtra

The city of dreams and dreamers, Mumbai has a rich history where it was a part of numerous empires. Another City of Shirdi is one of the holiest city of India. Being the financial capital of India, the Maharashtra government recently announced that it expects the state’s economy to grow to $1 trillion by 2025. That would seem to be a difficult task considering the fact that the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) currently stands at only $400 billion.

14. Manipur

Manipur, often termed as ‘Switzerland of India’, is a blissful gem of North East India. Major economy of Manipur is covered under Bamboo trade and cotton plantation. Manipur is also the birthplace of Modern Polo and the locals call this game 'Sagol Kangjei'. Manipur is also the birthplace of Modern Polo and the locals call this game 'Sagol Kangjei'.  With about 3,268 square kms. of area covered by bamboo forests, Manipur is one of India’s largest Bamboo producing states and a major contributor to the country’s bamboo industry along with Raw Silk.

15. Meghalaya

Mawlynnong Village, Voted as Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong Village in Meghalaya seems like a paradise on earth. The Double Decker Living Root Bridge is situated in Cherapunjee which is known as the rainiest place in India. Coal and limestone, two major mineral products found in the southern belt of Meghalaya.

16. Nagaland

Nagaland has been a major exporter of round logs, veneers, plywood and sawn timber to the rest of the country. Bamboo is another of Nagaland's rich resource. The state is rich in mineral resources such as coal, limestone, iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium, and marble.

17. Uttar Pradesh

Rightly called the ‘Heartland of India’, Uttar Pradesh is known for boasting a flamboyant cultural heritage. It is a land of rich historical tales, it is a land of varied hues of cultures blending together, Home to the majestic Taj Mahal, Agra has earned great popularity worldwide. It is known for housing the best wonders belonging to the Mughal Era. Animals and animal products, leather and leather products, construction material, gems and Jewellery and textiles and garments have been identified as sectors with the maximum potential for exports from Uttar Pradesh.

18. Uttarakhand

The State has vast export potential for fruits and agricultural products such as honey, mushroom, rice, maize cereals, limestone, marble, rock phosphate, dolomite, magnesite, copper, gypsum, etc., spices, horticulture and floriculture.

19. West Bengal

One of the most culturally rich states of India, West Bengal is all about blissful Baul music, women dressed in white and red saris, striped Bengal tiger, views of gigantic Khangchendzonga, a legendary history and some jaw dropping modern day wonders. The face of West Bengal, Kolkata is one of the oldest cities in India. The Howrah Bridge of Kolkata is a masterpiece and is known for being the sixth longest cantilever bridge on the planet. The state's potato production stood at 12.93 million tonnes in 2016-17. West Bengal is the largest producer of rice in India.