Legacy
Bharatiya Exporters Forum (BExFo)
For thousands of years, India was not just a participant in global trade—it was its undisputed anchor. Today, as the nation targets high-income status and global leadership via the Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative, understanding our trade DNA is essential for every modern exporter.
What is the History of Indian Exports?
Historically, India was a manufacturing and agricultural powerhouse. During the ancient and medieval eras, India controlled an estimated 25% to 32% of global wealth, largely driven by its robust maritime and overland export networks.
The famous Silk Road and Indian Ocean maritime routes saw a continuous flow of high-value Indian commodities to Rome, Egypt, China, and the Middle East. The primary items that drove this ancient trade surplus included:
- Textiles: Celebrated worldwide, especialy fine muslin, calico, and silk.
- Spices: Malabar pepper (known as “Black Gold”), cardamom, and cinnamon.
- Metallurgy & Artifacts: Famed Wootz steel, ivory carvings, and precious gemstones.
This golden age shifted into a colonial phase under the British East India Company. India was systematica ly transitioned from an exporter of finished goods to a mere supplier of raw materials (like raw cotton, indigo, and opium) to fuel Britain’s industrial revolution.