Monsoon wind and maritime trade: A case study of historical evidence from Orissa, India

Abstract

Monsoon plays a predominant role in the daily life of the people of South Asia. The use of monsoon wind in the Indian Ocean for maritime trade was a boon to the sailing ships to reach overseas countries. It is believed that Hippalus discovered monsoon wind in AD 45-47. Before the discovery of monsoon wind the mariners of Orissa, India set their journey to Southeast Asian countries during the northeast monsoon (trade wind) and return during the Southwest monsoon. The flow of wind and current was favourable for setting sail for both onward and return journey. Similarly, during the historical period, the Arabs sailed in the Indian Ocean with the help of monsoon wind and the Europeans, particularly the Portuguese sailed their vessels in such a manner that they could reach the shores of India before the Southwest monsoon and return only after the beginning of Northeast monsoon. This paper details the historical evidence, which indicates that the mariners of Orissa were aware of the monsoon wind and currents and its use for maritime trade since the last two thousand years if not earlier. Additionally, the study shows that the maritime trade to far off countries was a seasonal phenomenon and there is no change of seasons of southwest and northeast monsoon since then.