Trade in Post Mauryan Period

In the post-Mauryan period trade with central Asia begun. Ancient India had two internal land routes. They are Uttarapatha and Dakshinapatha. Uttarapatha connects northern and eastern parts of India with the north western fringes. Dakshinapatha, connected the peninsular India with the western and northern parts of India. This route connected north and South India.

It was further connected with Pratishthana that was the capital of Satavahanas. The Dakshinapatha was further connected with Pratishthana, the capital of the Satavahanas. More and more sea voyages were used for trading purposes. Important ports on the western coast were Bharukachchha Sopara, Kalyana, Muziris. From these ports ships sailed to the Roman Empire through the Red Sea.

Trade with Southeast Asia was through the sea. The well-known ports on the eastern Coast of India was Tamralipti (West Bengal), Arikamedu (Tamil Nadu Coast). There was sea trade between Bharukachchha and the ports of Southeast Asia

Trade survived between India and the west where the Roman Empire was at its peak. Initially it was carried out through land but later on the focus shifted to sea routes. Ships could move directly from Indian ports to the ports on Red Sea and Persian Gulf. Romans required Indian products such as spices, perfumes, jewels, ivory and fine textiles like muslin. Spice trade with the Roman Empire was based in south India. Several precious and semiprecious stones like diamond, carnelian, turquoise, agate, sapphire etc, besides pearls, indigo, sandalwood and steel were imported. Romans exported gold and silver to India. Other items of export from the Roman Empire included wine. Western traders also brought tin, lead, coral and slave girls.

There was an immense increase in production of crafts. There were separate artisans working in gold, silver and precious stones. Ujjain was a bead making centre. Textile industry was also a major one. Mathura and Vanga were famous for variety textiles produced. There are numerous inscriptions which refer to the donations made by artisans to monasteries.

Merchant communities were organised that was known as Shreni or guilds that was headed by sreshthi. Another type of commercial group was known as sartha which signified caravan trading corporation that comprised of traders from different regions. This was headed by sarthavaha. All craft vocations were also organised into guilds each being headed by Jyestha. It included weavers, corn dealers, bamboo workers, oil manufacturers, potters and so on. These guilds were associations of merchants and craftsmen following the same profession. They also served as banks and received deposits from the public on a fixed interest rate.