Answer:
Religion played a significant role in increasing trade from 1200-1450 along the Silk Roads and Indian Ocean Trade routes.
Along the Silk Roads, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity spread and became popular among traders and merchants. These religions encouraged peaceful trade and provided a common ground for communication and exchange of ideas between different cultures. The Buddhist monasteries along the Silk Roads provided accommodations and other facilities for the traders, which facilitated trade and increased the volume of commerce. The Islamic caliphates also played a crucial role in the expansion of trade along the Silk Roads by providing a safe environment for trade and commerce.
Along the Indian Ocean Trade, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam influenced trade and commerce. The Hindu and Buddhist traders from India and Southeast Asia traveled to China, the Middle East, and East Africa to trade their goods, which led to the spread of their religions. The Swahili city-states along the East African coast were predominantly Muslim, and the Islamic religion played a critical role in the expansion of trade in the region. The Islamic traders from the Middle East and India established trade links with the Swahili city-states, which facilitated trade and commerce along the Indian Ocean Trade route.
Therefore, religion played a critical role in increasing trade from 1200-1450 along the Silk Roads and Indian Ocean Trade routes by providing a common ground for communication and exchange of ideas, encouraging peaceful trade, and providing a safe environment for trade and commerce.