Which of the following ideas or commodities reached the world from India due to ancient routes? 1. The Upanishads and the Ramayana 2. The Indian numerals and the decimal system 3. Spices and muslin 4. Greek sculpture Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct option is (a) 1, 2 and 3 only. Explanation India’s strategic location at the head of the Indian Ocean and its ancient land routes (mountain passes) facilitated extensive contact with the outside world. These routes served as channels for the exchange of ideas and commodities between India and other civilizations. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The ideas of the Upanishads, the Ramayana, the stories of Panchtantra, and Indian philosophy traveled from India to other parts of the world, influencing cultures in Southeast Asia and beyond. - Statement 2 is Correct: The Indian numerals and the decimal system were developed in India and reached the West through Arab intermediaries. - Statement 3 is Correct: India was historically a hub for trade. Commodities such as spices, muslin, and other fine textiles were exported from India to various countries via ancient land and sea routes. - Statement 4 is Incorrect: Greek sculpture represents an influence that came into India, not something that went from India. The impact of Greek sculpture and architectural styles from West Asia is evident in Indian traditions, particularly in the Gandhara School of Art. Key Takeaway: The ancient routes facilitated the export of Indian intellectual contributions (numerals, epics) and merchandise (spices, muslin) to the world, while simultaneously facilitating the import of cultural influences (Greek sculpture, architectural styles) into India.

NCERT Class 9 Geography — Chapter 1: India – Size and Location

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Which of the following ideas or commodities reached the world from India due to ancient routes?

The Upanishads and the Ramayana
The Indian numerals and the decimal system
Spices and muslin
Greek sculpture

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3 only
B2, 3 and 4 only
C1 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a) 1, 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

India’s strategic location at the head of the Indian Ocean and its ancient land routes (mountain passes) facilitated extensive contact with the outside world. These routes served as channels for the exchange of ideas and commodities between India and other civilizations.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The ideas of the Upanishads, the Ramayana, the stories of Panchtantra, and Indian philosophy traveled from India to other parts of the world, influencing cultures in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Statement 2 is Correct: The Indian numerals and the decimal system were developed in India and reached the West through Arab intermediaries.
Statement 3 is Correct: India was historically a hub for trade. Commodities such as spices, muslin, and other fine textiles were exported from India to various countries via ancient land and sea routes.
Statement 4 is Incorrect: Greek sculpture represents an influence that came into India, not something that went from India. The impact of Greek sculpture and architectural styles from West Asia is evident in Indian traditions, particularly in the Gandhara School of Art.

Key Takeaway:
The ancient routes facilitated the export of Indian intellectual contributions (numerals, epics) and merchandise (spices, muslin) to the world, while simultaneously facilitating the import of cultural influences (Greek sculpture, architectural styles) into India.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: India – Size and Location

Consider the following statements regarding the location of India: 1. India lies entirely in the Northern Hemisphere. 2. The mainland of India extends between latitudes 8°4'S and 37°6'S. 3. The Tropic of Cancer divides the country into exactly two equal halves. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the size of India, consider the following statements: 1. India’s total area accounts for about 2.4 per cent of the total geographical area of the world. 2. India is the fifth largest country in the world. 3. The land boundary of India is approximately 7,516.6 km. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following countries is larger than India in terms of area? 1. Australia 2. Brazil 3. China 4. Russia Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Consider the following statements regarding the "Silk Route" and ancient connectivity: 1. The routes contributed to the exchange of ideas like the decimal system. 2. The influence of Greek sculpture in India is a myth and not supported by evidence. 3. Maritime contacts were established before land routes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Ocean: 1. It is divided into the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal by the Indian landmass. 2. India has a peripheral location in the Indian Ocean. 3. The trans Indian Ocean routes connect East Asia to West Asia. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Keep practising Chapter 1: India – Size and Location

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The correct option is (a) 1, 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The ideas of the Upanishads, the Ramayana, the stories of Panchtantra, and Indian philosophy traveled from India to other parts of the world, influencing cultures in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Statement 2 is Correct: The Indian numerals and the decimal system were developed in India and reached the West through Arab intermediaries.
Statement 3 is Correct: India was historically a hub for trade. Commodities such as spices, muslin, and other fine textiles were exported from India to various countries via ancient land and sea routes.
Statement 4 is Incorrect: Greek sculpture represents an influence that came into India, not something that went from India. The impact of Greek sculpture and architectural styles from West Asia is evident in Indian traditions, particularly in the Gandhara School of Art.