Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (C) — South-East Asian trade
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedFollowing the disruption and decline of direct maritime trade routes with the Roman Empire due to Hunnic invasions and imperial collapse, Indian merchants shifted focus toward Southeast Asian maritime trade networks (including Sri Lanka, Burma, Java, and Sumatra), fostering cultural and commercial ties with Suvarnabhumi.
With the collapse of Western classical markets, Indian maritime commerce expanded heavily eastward into Southeast Asia.
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