Port that handled the North Indian trade during the Gupta period? — UPSC Prelims PYQ 1999

Which one of the following ports handled the North Indian trade during the Gupta period?

1. Tamralipti
2. Broach
3. Kalyan
4. Cambray

Explanation

• Tamralipti (modern Tamluk in West Bengal) was the principal port that handled the trade of northern India during the Gupta period. It is located on the eastern coast in modern-day West Bengal near the Rupnarayan River.
• Tamralipti served as the primary, most vital maritime gateway for the Gangetic valley and the core North Indian heartland during the Gupta period. It extensively managed North Indian export and import operations, connecting the empire to major trade networks across Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, and China.
• Broach: Also known as Bharuch, this was a prominent port located on the western coast of India (present-day Gujarat). It primarily managed commerce with the Mediterranean, West Asia, and the Roman Empire rather than direct North Indian heartland trade.
• Kalyan: Located on the western coast near modern Mumbai, Maharashtra, this port actively handled trade flowing across the Arabian Sea to Persia and Western Asia.
• Cambray: Also known as Khambhat in Gujarat, this western coast port similarly served routes leading into the Arabian Sea and the Mediterranean, operating outside the primary North Indian riverine economic outlet

Answer: (a) Tamralipti