Chapter 9 – Traders, Kings and Pilgrims

These NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 9 notes explain the growth of trade, the role of kings, and the movement of pilgrims across different regions. The chapter focuses on trade routes, ports, the Silk Route, and the spread of Buddhism, making it important for school exams and BPSC foundation preparation.

1. Background of the chapter

• Around 2500 years ago, long-distance travel increased.
• People travelled for trade, religion, and administration.
• Movement of people connected different regions of India.
• India also developed links with other countries.
• Roads and sea routes worked like modern highways and shipping lanes.

2. Traders and trade routes

• Traders travelled to exchange goods and earn profit.
• Trade helped connect distant markets.
• Important trade routes included land routes.
• Land routes passed through mountains and forests.
• Sea routes ran along the coast of India.

3. Important goods traded

• Spices, especially pepper, were exported from India.
• Cotton cloth and silk were important trade items.
• Ivory and precious stones were also exported.
• Gold and silver were imported into India.
• Other imports included wine and coral.

4. Important trading centres (Places)

• Bharuch was an important port town.
• Bharuch is located in present-day Gujarat.
• It was also known as Barygaza.
• Arikamedu was another major trading centre.
• Arikamedu is located near present-day Puducherry.

5. Traders from different regions

• Traders came from different parts of India.
• People from China participated in trade.
• Traders also came from Iran (Persia).
• Trade links existed with the Roman Empire.
• People from Greece and Arab regions were also involved.

6. Role of Kings in trade

• Kings protected important trade routes.
• They provided security to traders.
• Traders paid taxes to kings.
• Traders also gave gifts to rulers.
• Trade made kings powerful and wealthy.

7. Pilgrims and Pilgrimage

• Pilgrims were people who travelled for religious reasons.
• Bodh Gaya was associated with enlightenment of Buddha.
• Sarnath was the place of the first sermon of Buddha.
• Mathura developed as an important religious centre.
• Puri was a major sacred place.

8. Spread of Buddhism

• Buddhist monks travelled from place to place.
• They spread teachings of dhamma.
• Non-violence was an important teaching.
• Monasteries were built along trade routes.
• Traders supported monasteries and helped spread Buddhism.

9. The Silk route

• The Silk Route was a long trade route.
• It connected China, Central Asia, India, and Europe.
• Silk was an important trade item.
• Spices were traded along this route.
• Precious stones were also exchanged.

10. Important Rulers and Dynasties

• The Kushanas controlled parts of North-West India.
• They promoted trade and cultural exchange.
• Kanishka was a famous Kushana ruler.
• He ruled around c. 78–100 CE.
• His reign saw growth of trade and Buddhism.

11. Coins and Trade

• The use of coins increased trade activities.
• Coins have been found across the subcontinent.
• Coins show the authority of kings.
• They indicate economic prosperity.
• Coins made trade easier and faster.

12. Important keywords

• Trader refers to a person who buys and sells goods.
• Pilgrim is a person travelling for religious reasons.
• Port is a place where ships load and unload goods.
• Silk Route was an important international trade route.
• Kanishka was a Kushana ruler.

13. Important dates (NCERT focus)

• Growth of long-distance trade began about 2500 years ago.
• Kanishka ruled during c. 78–100 CE.
• These dates help understand trade history.
• They show India’s contact with other regions.
• Dates are important for historical analysis.

14. Why this chapter is important

• This chapter explains the growth of trade networks.
• It shows the link between trade and religion.
• It highlights India’s contact with the outside world.
• It helps understand cultural exchange.
• It forms the base of economic history.

This chapter shows how trade helped connect India with distant regions and promoted cultural exchange. Topics like Bharuch, Arikamedu, Silk Route, and Kanishka are important for understanding ancient economic and cultural history.

Continue reading Class 6 History Chapter 10 – New Empires and Kingdoms to learn about the rise of new dynasties after the Mauryan period.

FAQs

Q1. What is explained in Class 6 History Chapter 9?
It explains the role of traders, kings, pilgrims, trade routes, and cultural exchange.

Q2. Why is the Silk Route important?
It connected India with Central Asia, China, and Europe and helped in trade and spread of ideas.