2.3 - Exchange in the Indian Ocean

key terms/events and significance

Spread of Islam

• Definition: Islam being spread throughout the Indian Ocean

• Significance:

  • Connected cities more than ever before

  • Muslim Persians & Arabs: instrumental in transporting goods to port cities across Indian Ocean

  • Cities (Calicut & Camboy): thriving centers of trade thanks to the welcomed presence of foreign merchants

Demand for Specialized Products

• Definition: Indian Ocean trade grew led to the demand for specialized products grew with every region involved had something special to offer for trading partners

• Significance: Exchange of goods, cultures, and knowledge from each region involved in Indian Ocean trade

Monsoon Wind

• Definition:  Environmental knowledge of wind direction

• Significance: 

  • Essential for trading in Indian Ocean

  • Travelers computed their voyage gingerly depending on favorable winds to ensure their safety

Advances in Maritime Technology

• Definition: Sailing technologies

  • Lateen sails (Arab): catch winds easily from different directions

  • Stern rudder (China): stabilize ships & maneuver ships easier

  • Astrolabe (Muslim): see how far from North or South the traveler is from the equator

• Significance:

  • Help with navigation for merchants or travelers through Indian Ocean’s winds

  • Trade facilitated the rapid spread of sailing technology

Diaspora & Diasporic Communities

• Definition: The people who settle away from their homeland & the communities that are blended with the cultures of the native and settlers

• Significance: 

  • Cultural exchange from settlers and natives through intermarry

  • Impact of increased trade

Swahili City-States

• Definition: Indian Ocean trade made Africa’s east coast cities flourished

• Significance: The cities became rich with lots of imports (ivory, gold, slaves, tortoise shells, peacock feathers, rhinoceros horns) → extensively trading 

Zheng He

• Definition: A Muslim admiral sent by Ming emperor Yongle to voyage and display the Ming’s might to the world

• Significance:

  • Reflected the significant transfer or exchange of knowledge, technology, commerce, and religion

  • Opened up new markets for China’s trade

Explain the causes and effects of the growth of Indian Ocean Trade after 1200.

The increased in demand for specialized goods, environmental knowledge along with maritime technology development pushed trade’s growth further. Consequently, Diasporic communities developed as a result of Indian Ocean trade and cultural exchange.

Explain the role of environmental factors in the development of networks of exchange.

The understanding of environmental factors, such the Monsoon wind, helped travelers to plan out their voyage safely and to reach the land faster based on the wind’s direction.