The Postclassical Period, c. 600 CE to c. 1450: Content Summary 3.6: Long-Distance Trade and Diffusion in the Indian Ocean Basin

By the 13th century, profits produced by lucrative Indian Ocean trade had contributed to the development of more than 30 city-states along the East African coast. (3.6.A)

The introduction of Islamic law and judicial practices, as well as the development of written Swahili using Arabic script, facilitated state building on the Swahili Coast. (3.6.A)

The introduction of Islamic law and judicial practices, as well as the development of written Swahili using Arabic script, facilitated state building on the Swahili Coast. (3.6.A)

Swahili city-states were very cosmopolitan, as large populations of foreign traders resided in these cities in between monsoon cycles and religious tolerance was a necessity for engaging in long-distance trade. (3.6.A)

Swahili city-states were very cosmopolitan, as large populations of foreign traders resided in these cities in between monsoon cycles and religious tolerance was a necessity for engaging in long-distance trade. (3.6.A)

As Mongol khanates and Silk Road trade declined in the late postclassical period, a variety of factors spurred the expansion of Indian Ocean trade. (3.6.B)

Global demand for spices, cotton and silk textiles, porcelain, and slaves increased across the Indian Ocean basin. (3.6.B)

Global demand for spices, cotton and silk textiles, porcelain, and slaves increased across the Indian Ocean basin. (3.6.B)

The rising productivity of artisan manufacturing economies in India and China, as well as the production and long-distance trade of African gold and European silver, also drove long-distance maritime trade. (3.6.B)

In addition to goods, postclassical Indian Ocean maritime trade continued to diffuse cultural practices, technologies, and flora and fauna across the basin. (3.6.C)

In addition to goods, postclassical Indian Ocean maritime trade continued to diffuse cultural practices, technologies, and flora and fauna across the basin. (3.6.C)

Moving with patrons along trade networks, Sufi missionaries spread Islam to India. (3.6.C)

Trade also diffused grains and tubers from Africa to Arab and Asian societies, while Asian bananas, sugar, citrus, and varieties of poultry diffused westward. (3.6.C)

Trade also diffused grains and tubers from Africa to Arab and Asian societies, while Asian bananas, sugar, citrus, and varieties of poultry diffused westward. (3.6.C)

Trade also diffused grains and tubers from Africa to Arab and Asian societies, while Asian bananas, sugar, citrus, and varieties of poultry diffused westward. (3.6.C)