History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c7.s1.2

c7.s1.2

In its towns brisk and lively trade flourished under peaceful conditions. Its chief port of Cambay carried on trade and commerce with northern countries like Arabia and Persia. Long before the Muslim conquerors had penetrated into northern India, Arab traders had settled in this region. About the city of Cambay Vaṣṣāf writes: "Its air is pure, its water clear and the circumjacent country beautiful and charming both in scenery and buildings."⁵ Marco Polo, the adventurous Venetian, who visited the country a century before Vaṣṣāf also speaks of Cambay as a place possessed of immense wealth and riches;⁶ and both these are corroborated by Ibn Baṭṭūṭah who writes at length about its wealthy merchants.