The trade of precious and semi-precious stones between Iran and India (with a focus on Khorasan agate)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Archaeology, University of Birjand, Iran.

2 PhD student in Art Research, Isfahan University of Art, Iran.

10.22111/jsr.2025.50619.2469

Abstract

The trade relations between Iran and India have always been strong, both by sea and land. Historically, monarchs undertook significant actions to beautify their capitals, such as the exploration and extraction of precious and semi-precious stones in their territories. Indeed, the trade of precious and semi-precious stones has been one of the most important commercial ties between Iran and India from the past to the present. The aim of the present research is to explore the relationship between Iran and India regarding the movement of precious and semi-precious stones, particularly the agate from Khorasan. The main question of this study is: How are the trade relations between Iran and India concerning the movement of precious stones, especially the agate from Khorasan? The findings indicate that maritime routes have historically connected the Indian Ocean, the Sea of Oman, and the Persian Gulf through the ports owith Chabahar port currently being significant. The land route has extended from Merv (Khorasan) to Kandahar and then to India. In the past, the trade of precious and semi-precious stones, particularly agate, was transferred from India to Iran; this trade was undoubtedly reciprocal, as at one point in time, turquoise was exported from Khorasan to India.

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Journal of Subcontinent Researches

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 10 March 2025

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