Historic ports in India that once connected global trade

India's maritime history stretches back thousands of years, with several ancient ports playing a crucial role in connecting the subcontinent to international trade networks.

From the Indus Valley Civilisation to the Indo-Roman trade era, these historic ports helped establish India as a major centre of commerce. Here are five historic ports in India that once connected global trade.

Lothal Port, Gujarat

Lothal is considered one of the oldest known ports in India and dates back to the Indus Valley Civilisation around 2400 BCE. Excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1954 uncovered a dockyard, marketplace, warehouse and township. The fortified settlement consisted of an upper and lower town, with evidence of a bead-making industry in the lower town.

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A basin identified as a tidal dockyard, along with stone anchors, marine shells, and seals linked to the Persian Gulf, suggests active maritime trade. Lothal maintained trade links with Mesopotamia, Persia, and the Arabian Peninsula, exporting beads, semi-precious stones and cotton textiles.

Sopara Port, Maharashtra

Sopara, located near present-day Nala Sopara in Maharashtra, was a major maritime trade centre from the 3rd century BCE to the 9th century CE. The port is mentioned in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea and played a role in Indo-Roman trade.

It maintained commercial links with Mesopotamia, Egypt, Cochin, Arabia, and East Africa. Archaeological discoveries at the site include Ashokan edicts and Buddhist relics, highlighting its historical significance.

Arikamedu Port, Puducherry

Arikamedu is identified as the port of Podouke in Greek and Roman records and is also mentioned in Sangam literature. The port exported beads, textiles, terracotta artefacts, spices, and jewellery.

Excavations have uncovered Roman amphorae, Arretine pottery, and Roman coins, providing evidence of active trade between India and the Roman world.

Bharuch Port, Gujarat

Known in ancient texts as Bharukaccha and referred to as Barygaza by Greek and Roman writers, Bharuch was an important port on India's western coast. It served as a major gateway to international markets and functioned as a transhipment hub that benefited from seasonal monsoon winds.

Historical records indicate trade connections with Arabia, Greece, Rome, Africa, China, and Egypt. Cotton textiles, ivory, and spices were among its major exports.

Machilipatnam Port, Andhra Pradesh

Known historically as Masulipatnam or Bandar, Machilipatnam flourished during the Satavahana period and later under the Golconda rulers.

The port became well known for its muslin trade and emerged as an important commercial centre on India's eastern coast. Its strategic location helped connect regional and international trade networks.