Trade Contacts with the Indonesian Archipelago: 6th to 14th Centuries

The sea routes between South India, Sri Lanka and the Indonesian archipelago of Sumatra, Java and Bali were already well established by the beginning of the Christian era, long before Persian and Arab ships arrived. However, trade links extended once seasonal variations in monsoon winds were harnessed to support inter-continental journeys and as shipbuilding techniques advanced. Despite small populations, many areas of Indonesia became fertile sources for valuable products and markets, both for international, as well as local trade. By the 8^th century AD, Sriwijaya was the dominant city-state in the area, especially around the Palembang area. Chinese sources and inscriptions provide detailed lists of products for purchase and re-export at this time, including precious metals (gold, silver, tin), valuable spices and medicines, ceramics, cloth, and rattan, as well as staples like rice and beans. There was also significant human traffic in the region owing to the many pilgrims.