Paper Details

This research investigates the environmental and ecological impacts on ancient Indian trade routes, specifically the Silk Road and Spice Trade, to understand how climate variability and geographical challenges influenced their development and sustainability. The study employs a qualitative research design, utilizing historical climate records, archaeological findings, and proxy data from sources such as tree rings, ice cores, and sediment layers to examine the impact of environmental factors on trade networks from 200 BCE to 1500 CE. Key findings reveal that severe droughts, extreme cold spells, and heavy monsoon rains significantly disrupted trade activities, reducing trade volumes and necessitating adaptive strategies such as route diversification, seasonal scheduling, and trade alliances. Geographical challenges like desert expansion and monsoon winds also posed significant obstacles, prompting traders to develop sophisticated strategies to enhance resilience. The analysis highlights a negative correlation between climate variability and trade efficiency, demonstrating the sensitivity of ancient trade routes to environmental conditions. By examining the interplay between trade, climate, and geography, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the resilience and adaptability of ancient trade networks, offering valuable insights for modern trade systems facing similar challenges from climate change. The findings underscore the importance of environmental resilience in sustaining the flow of goods, ideas, and cultures across diverse and interconnected regions.

Ancient Indian trade routes, Silk Road, Spice Trade, environmental impacts, climate variability, trade resilience.