Why did the author compile this list?
The author compiled this list to serve as a practical guide for traders and merchants navigating the extensive trade networks of the subcontinent. The Periplus, meaning "sailing around," was essentially a maritime trade manual documenting goods available across different regions.
From the sixth century BCE, trade routes connected the subcontinent to Central Asia, East and North Africa, West Asia, Southeast Asia, and China. The list helped traders identify valuable commodities like precious and semi-precious stones, ivory, sandalwood, pepper, and other goods that could be procured from sites like Kodumanal and brought to coastal ports for export.
Explanation
The question refers to the Periplus, a Greek text whose title means 'sailing around.' The context shows that from the sixth century BCE, extensive trade routes existed - overland into Central Asia and overseas to various regions including East Africa, West Asia, and Southeast Asia. Archaeological evidence from Kodumanal shows a bead-making industry using precious stones, confirming that local traders brought such items to coastal ports. The list was compiled as a practical trade guide, helping merchants understand what goods were available in different regions for commercial purposes.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the text being referenced - the Periplus (Greek word meaning 'sailing around')
Step 2: Understand the trade context - extensive routes from sixth century BCE connecting subcontinent to multiple regions
Step 3: Connect the list to its purpose - documenting trade goods like precious stones, ivory, sandalwood, pepper for merchants
Step 4: Conclude that the list served as a practical commercial guide for traders