Question

Here is an excerpt from Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, composed by an anonymous Greek sailor (c. first century CE): They (i.e. traders from abroad) send large ships to these market-towns on account of the great quantity and bulk of pepper and malabathrum (possibly cinnamon, produced in these regions). There are imported here, in the first place, a great quantity of coin; topaz … antimony (a mineral used as a colouring substance), coral, crude glass, copper, tin, lead … There is exported pepper, which is produced in quantity in only one region near these markets … Besides this, there are exported great quantities of fine pearls, ivory, silk cloth, … transparent stones of all kinds, diamonds and sapphires, and tortoise shell. Archaeological evidence of a bead-making industry, using precious and semi-precious stones, has been found in Kodumanal (Tamil Nadu). It is likely that local traders brought the stones mentioned in the Periplus from sites such as these to the coastal ports.

Why did the author compile this list?

Answer 1

The key reasons for the author to compile the list are as follows:

• Commercial Value: To inform traders exactly what profitable goods could be acquired (like black pepper, pearls, and diamonds) and what commodities were in demand for import (like coins, copper, and tin).
• Navigational Record: To document specific market-towns, coastal ports, and regional specialities along the Malabar coast for future expeditions.
• Economic Assessment: To highlight the immense quantity, scale, and variety of maritime trade flowing through the region during the first century CE.