Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c13.23

v2.c13.23

Compared to the route through the western regions, which was often obstructed and hence quite dangerous for merchants, the maritime route was relatively open and safe. Even when the western route was open, the cost involved in transporting commodities along it was comparatively high. The maritime route was, therefore, more convenient for exchanges between India and China. Among other things, it led to the development of naval technology. This route remained open uninterruptedly between the 3ʳᵈ and 5ᵗʰ centuries CE and was used frequently by merchants. Monks and traders from India would board merchant vessels bound for China and disembark at Guangzhou.