Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c41.s2.3

v2.c41.s2.3

The state maintained its shipping boats or rājanau, and these could be utilised by the traders and those fishing for conch-shells and pearls, against suitable payment (2.28.4-5). The boats plied on the trade-route along the coast instead of moving into the high sea (7.12.21). The references to the import of red coral from Alexandria (2.11.42) and the worship of the Mahākaccha or the Gulf of Cutch before the naval journey (4.3.12 & 15) authenticate the Indian maritime trade with the Persian and Mediterranean Sea countries.