This treatise is a short history of ancient Indian economics and trade based on the Buddha Jatakas, the stories of the birth of the Buddha. It ranges from before the time of Alexanders conquest to the Byzantine Empire.

The ancient Indian economy was mainly agricultural. Being that the economy was agricultural, the oxen and cow became extremely important. The fact bovine was instrumental to the economy led to their eventual reverence.

India skilled labor was advanced also. There were many guilds to train people to make some of the most valued goods in the world. There was a limited amount of banking and cooperative investment. Because India had a relatively advanced economy, there were able to develop trade routes with the Middle East, East Africa, and many islands north of Australia.

Through trade, Indian culture was able to promulgate all over the ancient world. Many teachers in Rome were from the East. Indian architecture inspired many buildings in the Roman Empire. The most pronounced influence of Indian culture are the Tamil origins of the words such as rice, ginger, and cinnamon. It proves these items originated in India.

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