Final answer:
During 1200 to 1750 CE, the Indian Ocean saw a change in dominance with the arrival of European powers, and a continuity in long-distance trade and cultural exchange.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the period from 1200 to 1750 CE, there were both changes and continuities in the nature of commercial exchange in the Indian Ocean. One significant change was the increasing dominance of European powers in the region. European nations such as Portugal, the Netherlands, England, and France began to establish their presence and control over key trade routes and ports in the Indian Ocean. This led to the establishment of European trading posts and the introduction of new goods and technologies to the region.
On the other hand, a continuity in the nature of commercial exchange in the Indian Ocean during this period was the importance of long-distance trade networks and cultural exchange. The Indian Ocean continued to be a major hub of global trade, connecting various regions such as India, Southeast Asia, China, and East Africa. Goods such as spices, textiles, precious metals, and luxury items were traded across these regions, facilitating the exchange of ideas, religions, and cultural practices.