Bharuch
Explanation
The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea is an anonymous Greek navigation manual from the 1st century CE. It provides a detailed account of the maritime trade routes, ports, and commercial activities connecting the Roman Empire with the East, particularly the Indian subcontinent.
Historical Identification:
- Barygaza (Bharuch): The text explicitly refers to the port of Bharuch (located on the banks of the Narmada River in modern-day Gujarat) as Barygaza. It describes Barygaza as a major commercial hub where goods such as wine, copper, tin, lead, and coral were imported, and spices, ivory, silk, and cotton were exported.
- Muziris: This port, located in the Chera kingdom (modern-day Kerala), is mentioned as Muziris in the text and was central to the spice trade.
- Arikamedu: Located on the Coromandel Coast near Puducherry, this port is identified as Poduke in the Periplus.
- Sopara: An ancient port near Mumbai, referred to as Suppara or Ouppara in Greek accounts.
Key Takeaway:
Barygaza is the Hellenized name for the ancient Indian port city of Bharuch, a critical node in the Indo-Roman trade network.