THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MAKRAN COAST IN BALOCHISTAN: A MARITIME GATEWAY IN ANCIENT TRADE ROUTES (500 BCE – 1500 CE)

Abstract

One of the most important maritime paths that has traditionally connected the East and the West is the Makran Coast, which is part of the southwestern part of Balochistan. This paper looks at the historical significance of the Makran Coast between 500 BCE and 1500 CE in terms of its role in the trade routes of ancient times, cultural exchange, and its geographical position in the differing empires. Since its initial association with the Achaemenid Empire in the form of its inclusion in the trade systems of the Greco-Bactrian Empire and Sassanian Empire, the coast was used to transport goods, ideas, and religions. The article discusses the sea routes that traversed the Makran Coast, the most important ports and harbors, and evidence of trade activity, which is both archaeological, such as shipwrecks, and cultural artifacts. It also explores the role of the region in the spread of Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, as well as Islam to the Asian continent. The fall in the maritime importance of the Makran Coast, which occurred following the 13th century because of the Mongol attacks and the reposition of trading routes around the world, is also covered. This study brings out the permanent mark of Makran Coast as one of the primary participants of ancient maritime trade and its applicability in geopolitics today.