Previous Year Question

Statement 1 is correct. In ancient India, rivers were not merely sources of water but also important routes of trade and transportation. Literary and archaeological sources refer to several towns and ports whose commerce was conducted through river networks.

Champa, the capital of the ancient Anga Mahajanapada, was an important river-port and commercial centre. Because of its connection with the Ganga river system, it possessed particular importance in the trade of eastern India.

Kaushambi was also a major trading centre situated on the Yamuna River. It was an important centre for goods and passengers moving from the south and west towards Kosala and Magadha. There is also evidence of the use of a river route from Kaushambi towards Rajagriha.

In addition, Tamralipti was a major port of eastern India, while Bhrigukachchha or Bharuch, near the mouth of the Narmada, was an important port of western India. These centres connected inland river and land routes with maritime commerce.

Statement 2 is also correct. Ancient India had not merely small local markets but also large commercial collection and redistribution centres where goods from different regions arrived and were subsequently sent to other regions. These are described in the question as large entrepots of goods and traffic.

Kaushambi provides a clear example. It has been described as an important entrepot for goods and passengers arriving from the south and west. Similarly, major towns and ports connected with trading routes linked local production, long-distance commerce and maritime trade with one another.

Thus, ancient India possessed both an extensive network of river-ports and large centres for the collection and redistribution of trade.