Trade and Trade Routes in Ancient India c8.32

c8.32

The *Arthaśāstra* at one place compares the relative importance of land routes and sea routes.¹⁷ Quoting ancient authorities Kauṭilya observes that according to them the sea and river routes were better than the land routes because the cost was lesser for transporting the goods and, therefore, they yielded more profit. Kauṭilya, however, did not agree with this opinion. According to him the waterways were not firm and were full of difficulties and dangers. In their comparison the land routes were simpler. Pointing out to the dangers of the sea routes Kauṭilya observes that the open sea routes were more difficult than the coastal routes because on the coastal routes there were situated ports where goods could be easily bought and sold (*paṇyapattana*). In the same order the river routes in comparison with sea routes were much easier and if any difficulty arose they could be easily got rid of. According to the ancient authorities the *Haimavatamārgā* on the Grand Route from Balkh to India via Hindukush was easier than the southern route from Kauśāmbī to Ujjain and Pratishṭhāna. But Kauṭilya does not agree with this opinion because according to him the *Haimavatamārgā* was only used for trade in horses, woollen cloths, hides and furs, to the exclusion of all other goods. On the contrary on the Dakshiṇāpatha or the Deccan route trade in chankshell, diamond, precious stones, pearls and gold was carried on. Even in this route, that section was considered to be the best which proceeded to mining districts and was constantly used by merchants. This route was also less dangerous and less costly and, therefore, merchants always used it because here they could easily buy goods. While comparing the relative values of bullock-cart route (*chakrapatha*) and tracks (*pādapatha*) he considers the bullock-cart route better because this road could carry heavy loads easily. In the end Kauṭilya reaches the conclusion that for all countries and for all seasons those roads were better which could be easily used by camels and donkeys.