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Consider the following statements with reference to early trade :
1. There are references of numerous river-ports in ancient India.
2. There were large entrepots of goods and traffic.
Which of the above statements is/are correct ?
Explanation
Ancient Indian trade was highly developed, utilizing both land and water routes. Statement 1 is correct because ancient texts like the Jatakas and Kautilya's Arthashastra mention numerous river-ports (pattana) along major rivers like the Ganges and the Indus. These ports, such as Pataliputra, Champa, and Varanasi, were vital for internal trade and connected the hinterland to coastal ports. Statement 2 is correct as major trade centers served as entrepots—transshipment hubs where goods were collected, stored, and redistributed. Coastal cities like Barygaza (Bharuch), Tamralipti, and Muziris acted as massive entrepots for international trade with the Roman Empire and Southeast Asia. These centers handled a vast traffic of luxury goods, textiles, and spices, facilitating the exchange between inland producers and foreign merchants.