Maritime trade was another important branch of the global trade network. It was a kind of trade where goods are transported through the sea. It involved a certain risk and consisted of rules and regulation.

Important maritime trade areas are:

• Malabar Coast, on which Muziris is situated, has a long history of international maritime trade from the era of the Roman Empire. Pepper was particularly valued in the Roman Empire and was known as ‘Black Gold’

• Calicut was such a bustling emporium that it was even visited by Chinese ships to acquire items, like frankincense (essential oil) and myrrh (fragrant resin used in perfumes, medicines) from the Middle East, as well as, pepper, diamonds, pearls and cotton from India.

• On the Coromandel Coast, Pulicat was a major port in the 17^th century. Textiles were the principal export from Pulicat to Southeast Asia.