What were the main trade routes during the Mughal Empire?
Mughal Empire Trade Routes
During the Mughal Empire, which ruled the Indian subcontinent from the early 16th to the mid-19th century, several important trade routes connected the empire to the broader global economy:
The Silk Road:
This ancient overland trade route linked the Indian subcontinent with Central Asia, the Middle East, and ultimately, China.
Key goods traded included silk, spices, textiles, precious stones, and other luxury items.
The Maritime Spice Trade:
The Mughals controlled strategic coastal regions like Gujarat and Bengal, which were major hubs for the lucrative maritime spice trade.
This connected the Indian subcontinent with Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe via sea routes.
Key exports included spices, textiles, and other high-value commodities.
The Deccan Trade Route:
This overland route connected the northern Mughal territories with the Deccan region in southern India.
It facilitated the trade of agricultural products, textiles, and other goods between the north and south.
– Written by Anagani Srilaxmi
