- India, China, and Southeast Asia engaged in overland and maritime trade along major routes like the Silk Road. They traded goods like spices, silk, tea, and gold.
- Territorial expansion by empires like the Mauryans and invasions by Alexander the Great helped establish trade routes across India. The Han dynasty expanded Chinese control and established routes in Central Asia.
- Major port cities in each region grew prosperous from maritime trade. Southeast Asian kingdoms sent tribute to China through diplomacy along trade networks. Cultural exchange of ideas, religion, and customs occurred along these interaction corridors.
2. Reasons for Interaction - India Trade Overland trade Maritime trade Territorial expansion Building good relationship diplomacy
3. Trade in IndiaOverland trade As early as 4000 years ago in the Indus civilisation Evidences of variety of goods Overland routes were difficult and dangerous Routes were more established by the Mauryan dynasty and the Gupta dynasty Towns grew and prospered - Jaisalmer
4. Trade in IndiaMaritime Trade Indus people traded in Mesopotamia by boats Evidences of seals, weights, silver New sea routes were founded - use of monsoon winds Dangers on the sea - pirates
5. Trade in IndiaTerritorial Expansion Aryans travelled to the Ganges plains and spread the Sanskrit language, the caste system and their religion across India Alexander the Great opened the pathway for other Indian invasions such as the Mauryan empire
6. Trade in IndiaBuilding relationship Sent ambassador to learn about other kingdoms and civilisations
7. Trade in ChinaOverland Trade The Silk Road Interaction with foreigners began Worried that the foreigners would threaten confucian values Chinese emperor banned people from travelling outside the empire
8. The Silk Road Importance of silk trade discovered by Han Wudi Linked Asia to Europe Traded items such as tea, pottery, salt, spices, perfumes, gold, wine and glass Chinese traders need not travel out of China to trade China grew rich through the trade of silk
9. The Silk Road Exchange of inventions and ideas between people Sports and culture were also exchanged Lost its importance as a trade route after the establishment of more advanced sea route
10. Trade in ChinaMaritime Trade Developed after overland trade Offices were set up in the southern ports of China (Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Xiamen) to encourage trade with foreign traders traders travelled out of China to Southeast Asia and India and became entrepreneurs
11. Trade in ChinaNaval expeditions Admiral Zheng He led 7 expeditions with the purpose of forming friendships Rulers paid tribute to China
12. Trade in ChinaTerritorial Expansion Under Han Wudi, military conquests extended chinese control Trade routes were established Culture spreads
13. Trade in ChinaDiplomacy Tribute system Foreigners visit the emperor and kneel to show respect Bring gifts for the emperor in return for trade along the Silk Road Used as a form of protection against other kingdoms
14. Trade in Southeast AsiaMaritime Trade Due to geographical constraints, maritime trading was more common among the people in SEA Ports in SEA became convenient resting points Valued spices were available in SEA
15. Trade in SEASpice Routes network of sea routes linking Asia and Europe Port cities such as Palembang and Melaka grew Religions, cultures spread (especially indianisation)
16. Trade in SEAShipping built large ships called jongs (using teak) Carried cargo and sailed as far as the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea
17. Trade in SEATerritorial expansion Rise and expansion of kingdoms Ayudhya dynasty Majapahit kingdom
