The correct option is Carnelian.
Explanation
The trade history of early historic India is largely reconstructed from the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, an anonymous Greek navigation guide from the 1st century CE. This text provides a detailed inventory of commodities exchanged at major Indian ports, including Barygaza (modern-day Bharuch in Gujarat), which served as a key hub for Indo-Roman trade.
Analysis of Commodities
- Imports to Barygaza: According to the Periplus, goods brought into the port included wine, copper, tin, lead, coral, and topaz. Therefore, options Lead, Topaz, and Tin represent imports, not exports.
- Exports from Barygaza: The port was famous for exporting goods sourced from the Indian interior. Major exports included spikenard, ivory, agate, cotton, silk, and carnelian.
- Significance of Carnelian: The region around Ratanpur (near Rajpipla) was a significant source of carnelian stones. These stones were often processed in bead-making centers like Ujjain and then transported to Barygaza for export to the West.
Key Takeaway
Barygaza acted as a primary entrepôt for the export of semi-precious stones (specifically carnelian and agate), textiles, and spices, while importing metals (lead, tin, copper) and luxury items (wine, topaz) from the Roman Empire.