Trade and Commerce Between Iran and India: During the Safavid Period (1555-1707)

Iran-Indian trade and commercial relations during the safavid dynasty in Iran and the Mughal Empire in India is the main theme of the present work which is the out come of intensive research. The author maintains that the foundation of prosperous trade and commerce in Iran were laid on conditions of peace, enterprise of the traders and the co-operation of the enlightened ruling elite of the Safavid dynasty. Iranian ruler, Shah Abbas I, pursued a sound economic policy and established trade relations with India. The book has fulfilled a gap in the historical studies. The purpose of this research has been to bring in to focus important export items between the two countries, the transportation system, the safety of routes used by carvans during the said period and facilities available at the caravansaries, of which a graphic description has been given. Besides this, the relative importance of the various trade centers has been pointed out. Commercial towns find a prominent place. The section on the strategic and commercial importance of Qandahar is enlightening as it became a bone of contention between the two countries and ultimately trade suffered. The trade fluctuated between Iran and India due to weakness of administration and the role of Portugal and Spain, the British East India Company and the Dutch East India Company. In this scheme of trade relations the importance of Persian Gulf region and the ports around has been highlighted. On the whole, this is a work on the changing scenario on the canvas of Indo-Iranian trade relations. The book would be of immense use to scholars of history, the general readers as well as government departments of foreign affairs, both in India and Iran. History no doubt is the study of the past in the light of the present. In the centext of this book and the current phase of globalisation, both the countries can explore the present areas of social, economic and cultural co-operation.