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UPSC 2011: India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with Southeast Asia across the Bay of Bengal. For this pre-eminence of early maritime history of Bay of Bengal, which of the following could be the most convincing explanation/explanations?
(a)As compared to other countries, India had a better ship-building technology in ancient and medieval times
(b)The rulers of southern India always patronized traders, Brahmin priests and Buddhist monks in this context
(c)Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages
(d)Both (a) and (b) are convincing explanations in this context
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Not attemptedCorrect Answer: (c) Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages
Early contacts across the Bay of Bengal were sustained, above all, by (a) India’s long-standing ship-building and navigation skills—attested from Yuktikalpataru to Chola inscriptions—and (b) active patronage from southern Indian dynasties that sent traders, Brahmin scholars and Buddhist monks abroad. Monsoon winds were helpful but not the decisive cultural factor asked in the question. Hence ‘both (a) and (b)’ i.e. option (d) is the most convincing explanation. ([gktoday.in](https://www.gktoday.in/solution-of-the-upsc-prelims-2011-general-studies-paper/))
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct answer to this UPSC 2011 Ancient History question?▼
The correct answer is option (c): Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages. Watch the detailed video explanation in our Sherlocking Prelims course on UnlockIAS.
Which year was this Trade & Economy question asked in UPSC Prelims?▼
This question was asked in UPSC CSE Prelims 2011, GS Paper 1, as Question 56. It falls under Ancient History > Trade & Economy.
What is the difficulty level of this UPSC question?▼
This question is rated "moderate". It requires sound conceptual understanding of the topic.
How many UPSC Prelims questions have been asked from Trade & Economy?▼
UPSC has asked 7 questions from Trade & Economy (under Ancient History) across multiple years. Visit the topic page to see the full list and year-wise trends.