Trade and Trade Routes in Ancient India c8.55

c8.55

If in foreign countries the goods did not yield any profit then the Superintendent of Trade had to determine whether there was any possibility of bringing better price by the way of exchange. After determining the rate of exchange one-fourth of the precious goods were despatched to foreign lands by the land route. Togte better profit on the goods, it was the duty of the merchant proceeding to the foreign lands that he should cultivate friendship with forest guards and district officers as it was necessary for the safety of their goods. If he was unable to reach the desired markets then he was authorised to sell the goods in any market without any kind of duties (*sarvadeya-viśuddha*) and to transport his goods by the rivers as well. But before he undertook such a journey he had to take into consideration the transport charges (*yānabhāgaka*), the road allowances (*pathadāna*), the price of the foreign goods in exchange of his own goods, the period of the river travel, the customs (*charitra*), in the market towns (*paṇyapattana*), and in the commercial towns situated on the rivers. The merchants inquired about the market rates and then sold their goods because this procedure brought more profit.