The West Coast of India and the Maritime World of the Western Indian Ocean

Abstract

This paper highlights the role of the fishing and sailing communities in the maritime world of the Western Indian Ocean. The focus is on the Western Coastal Plain extending from the present state of Gujarat in the north through Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Kerala. Drawing on information provided by the Periplus Maris Erythraei on local boats plying the region, the paper discusses cross-cultural contacts amongst the diverse communities who traversed the sea lanes as sailing crew, merchants, religious clergy, etc. The history of these communities is evident from archaeological data and inscriptions recording donations that they made to religious establishments. A second focus of the paper relates to the role of religious institutions in providing identity to the seafaring communities and as adjudicator of social relations. The religious landscape influenced the maritime system in several ways, from moulding cultural preferences and choices to active participation. Religious shrines were both consumers of a variety of commodities used in ritual, such as incense, oil, and textiles, as well as important locales for trading activity as indicated by shops and markets within or in the vicinity of temple premises from the ninth to tenth centuries onwards. Inscriptions also indicate several instances of differential tax on commodities required for religious purposes. The picture that emerges is that of a diverse religious landscape patronised by varied communities.