Question

Which of the following ancient ports was situated on the Malabar Coast?
1. Barygaza
2. Tamralipti
3. Palur
4. Muziris

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Muziris

The correct answer is Muziris.

• When Kerala established itself as a major center for spice, it was the ancient port of Muziris that emerged as its hub.
• Muziris became popular when Babylonians, Assyrians, and Egyptians came to the Malabar Coast in search of spices in 3000 BC.
• Later these Middle-East groups were joined by Arabs and Phoenicians. 
• Malabar Coast is the southern part of India’s western coast, starting from south of Goa and extend up to the Western Ghats range.

• Barygaza is the name given to the port of Bharuch by Greek and Roman merchants before Maurya times.
  • It is situated on the north bank of the Narmada river in Gujarat.
• Tamralipti was the port for trade with Southeast Asia in Southern West Bengal.
  • Jains identifies Tamralipti as the capital of the kingdom of Vanga.
• Palur was an important port on the coast of ancient Odisha.
  • Palur has often been identified as the Dantapura of the Buddhist Jatakas.