Communication and Contacts between Ancient India and Iran: An Overview

Abstract

Throughout the history of India and Persia, the two regions shared a vibrant culture. They are two ancient neighboring cultures or great civilizations. India and Iran have historical relations dating back centuries. Over the course of several centuries they have enriched themselves by interacting with each other in the fields of language, religion, art, culture, cuisine and other traditions. Today, warm friendly relations are established between the two nations and they cooperate with each other in all fields. India's relations with Iran go back to prehistoric times.The nature of the relationship between India and Iran became more apparent during recent years when large-scale excavations in both countries revealed evidence that this contact was not a small-scale but a regular trade relationship between them. This trade reached its climax during the time of Sargon, starting from the 3rd millennium BC. It is clear from the inscriptions of the 3rd century BC that trade between India and Iran continued to flourish. In ancient times, it was imported into Iran from three countries in the east, namely Dilmun, Magan and Meluha. Trade between India and the Mesopotamia took place through sea routes, with several inscriptions from Iran providing detailed lists of goods imported from Meluha.