Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c6.s2.t2.31

c6.s2.t2.31

1. *The Sea-borne Trade.*—One great advantage of the sea-board was its comparative safety until the coming of the Portuguese about the middle of the 16th century. The land frontiers, on the other hand, were constantly menaced by the Mongol invaders. The sea-routes were in the hands of the Moorish merchants who had a more or less complete monopoly of the sea-borne trade of India, the volume of which was considerable. The chief articles of import were certain articles of luxury for the use of the upper classes and a general supply of all kinds of horses and mules.