How Indian Merchants Toppled Empires and Dominated Trade Across Asia

Indian merchant guilds deserve more attention. For too long, most of the focus of Indian history has been kings, queens, and nobles, revolutionaries and commanders. Merchants have remained on the sidelines.

In this video, we'll go through the history of Indian merchants (as individuals, and as part of merchant guilds) in the subcontinent. From their origin in the Indus Valley Civilization to their role in the expansionary phase of the Chola Empire -- this is a truly fascinating historical narrative.

Hope you enjoy the video!

[RoudrajitSarkar]

Please Never Stop Making Videos. Your Channel is a Gold Mine for those Who want learn about Indian history beyond Delhi Sultanate, Mughals and British. Please next time make a video on The Tripartite Struggle For Kannauj between Pratiharas, Rastrakutas and Palas.

[PK-sejh]

we are only taught the history of mughals Britishers but thanks to this channel I am able to learn so many things about actual Indian history. Please do not stop making videos about native Indians ❤

[fernbedek]

I'll need to look into the power of the guilds for one book I plan to write...

[shubhampadhye]

I really like the way you present often neglected aspects of Indian history in a unique and engaging way! I do believe that the history of south and southeast Asia deserves attention just for the fact that it's really fascinating!

[adityabodas]

2:30 So basically, the Electoral Bonds are that old! xD

[divyaakashdutta]

Someone please make a movie on "THE 500". It would be such an epic name and would inspire so many new entrepreneurs in the country!

[HikmaHistory]

Another banger! Love the effort to shift the focus from Kings & Generals to more mundane elements of the past!

[risingsun]

That's cool, India is the oldest trade and commerce powerhouse, these people were doing amazing things even 5000 years ago!

[GopiKrishna]

Interesting. Keep up the good work on (relatively) obscure Indian history!

[arpan]

It's a tragedy that the ASI(Archeological Survey of India) is not even interest nor is the GoI interested in funding over such research matters. None of them care about histroy.

[lazardiwongjogja]

Ever since I knew about 500 Ayyavole's inscriptions in Barus, Aceh, Takuapa, and other SE Asian ports, I always wanted to learn more about these merchant guilds. Received some new insights from here, thank you.

Also, the exact reason for Chola's attack on Srivijaya is still debatable, but the piracy/trade disruption is certainly one of the most plausible causes.

[otomackena]

There are lot of Indian Chitty and Chettiars in South East Asia especially in places like Malaysia.

[rohitdeb]

I'd really appreciate it if you could link to some sources for this. It is certainly an aspect of Indian history that doesn't get much prominence, and is increasingly relevant even in current times. Awesome video.

[Dosaskillz]

This is such an awesome video, yet again- the hitmaker in da house! I hope others appreciate the ridiculously high quality and consistency of this channel. The fact that you’re not yet at one million subscribers is criminal.

I had no idea about any of this strong influence of merchant guilds in ancient and medieval India! It really is reminiscent of corporate influence over politics today- it’s wild how that hasn’t changed in over 4500 years.

[mtarkes]

Afterall Chanakya's political compendium is called Arthashastra(The science of gains) and not Rajnitishastra(science of politics)

[ravigovind]

These Trade Guilds are so powerful and they are the makers and shakers of the country. Their evidences and remains are in China, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam. They not only done the trading but also spread the Hindu and Indian culture to these areas and beyond. In Indo-China countries the written script of their language is old Tamil. We cannot blame Ambanis, Adhanis, Tatas and Birlas for influencing the policies of the government. During the course of human history wealth and power speaks. The Chettiars of Tamil Nadu had their influence in Burma, Malaysia, Singapore and other SE Asian countries. The temples they built in these countries stand as a testimony.

[elriolimpio]

Very interesting video!!! Great job!!!! Greetings from Argentina ⭐⭐⭐!!!!

[mayanksingh]

Even today the ancient vaishya caste group is the most richest in India. The same cannot be said for the Brahmins in the kshatriya who both combined is 28 % of total vaishya wealth. And I support them fully, India today needs more wealth creators and trade. If my other fellow indian can do it then it would be beneficial for nation at large

[darshanbhavsar]

I have seen all the videos on your channel. Your level of detail in the research, the content, the style of storytelling, the animations everything is on point. Please never stop making such amazing content.

[ramita]

Another incredibly well-done video 🎉 Thank you for consistently delivering the best insights into Indian history. This channel never fails to impress and educate!