🏛️ History & Art-CultureUPSC 1995Gupta Period

The term Yavanapriya, mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts, denoted:

aA fine variety of Indian muslin
bIvory
cDamsels sent to the Greek court for dance performance
dPepper
✓ Correct answer: d) Pepper
ExplanationYavanapriya is a term in ancient Sanskrit texts referring to pepper, a commodity highly prized in early Indo- Mediterranean trade.The term “Yavanapriya” is made up of two Sanskrit words, “Yavana” referring to Greeks and “priya” meaning loved.Ancient Sanskrit texts used this term to denote the commodity loved by the Greeks from India.This lucrative trade in spices, particularly pepper, was crucial for India’s ancient economy and helped establish India as a prominent player in global commerce. v v v

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