Correct Option
The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The trade activities at Barygaza (modern Bharuch, Gujarat) are primarily documented in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, a 1st-century CE Greek navigation text. Barygaza was a pivotal port in the Indo-Roman trade network, facilitating the exchange of goods between the Indian subcontinent and the Roman Empire.
Statement 1: Correct
According to the Periplus, gold and silver coins (specifically Roman aurei and denarii) were significant items of import at Barygaza. These coins were imported to be exchanged for local currency, often yielding a profit for the merchants, or used as bullion.
Statement 2: Correct
Barygaza was a major hub for the export of textiles produced in the hinterland. The Periplus lists cotton cloth of various kinds, silk cloth, and yarn among the primary exports shipped from this port to western markets. Other exports included spices (like long pepper), ivory, and semi-precious stones (agate and carnelian).
Key Takeaway:
Barygaza functioned as a critical node in early historic trade, characterized by the import of precious metals (gold and silver coins) and wine, and the export of high-value local manufactures like cotton, silk, and semi-precious stones.