What was the main importance of sea routes in India-world relations?

Correct answer: They helped trade and contact

The direct answer is C: sea routes helped trade and contact. India’s position beside the Indian Ocean made maritime routes important for movement between India, West Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia. Ships carried goods such as spices, textiles and other products, while merchants, travellers, ideas, languages, religions and cultural practices also moved across the sea. Step by step, a sea route connects ports; connected ports allow exchange; exchange strengthens economic and cultural relations. Option C is correct because it includes both commercial trade and wider contact. Option A is wrong because mountain height is measured by surveying instruments and elevation methods, not by the main purpose of sea routes. Option B is wrong because routes cannot remove deserts; deserts are natural geographical regions. Option D is wrong because rainfall is measured with instruments such as rain gauges, not by sea routes. The key concept is connectivity: geography can make a place a bridge between regions. Memory cue: sea routes carry goods and ideas, so link them with trade, travel and cultural exchange.