Question

How did monsoon winds facilitate trade across the Indian Ocean?

A) By creating predictable wind patterns that allowed for safe navigation.
B) By causing frequent storms that made trade challenging.
C) By inhibiting trade due to unpredictable weather conditions.
D) By enabling trade only within coastal regions.

Answer 1

Monsoon winds created predictable wind patterns that enabled safe and efficient navigation for maritime trade in the Indian Ocean, significantly influencing the development of trade networks and the spread of cultures.

Step-by-step explanation:

Monsoon winds facilitated trade across the Indian Ocean by creating predictable wind patterns which allowed for safe navigation of trade routes. The winds were crucial for sea voyages, enabling sailing ships from different regions to engage in maritime trade. During summer, the monsoon winds blew from the southwest, propelling ships from the coast of East Africa toward India, and during winter, they reversed direction, helping ships to sail back to Africa. This annual cycle allowed merchants to spend time in India during the wait for favourable winds to return, which not only prolonged their exposure to local cultures and ideas but also enhanced the diffusion of these across the ocean. The development of Swahili City-States on the east coast of Africa and the robust trade in Southeast Asia were instrumental in establishing strong, culture-rich trading networks fueled by these winds.