The origins of the cowry route can be traced back to ancient civilizations where these shells were collected from the Maldives .

Cypraea Monetaria moneta

The cowry route, which refers to the extensive trade network that utilized cowry shells as a form of currency, played a significant role in the economic landscape of the Maldives and other regions throughout history. Cowry shells, particularly those from the species Cypraea moneta, were highly prized for their beauty, durability, and portability, making them an ideal medium for trade. These shells not only served as a currency but also held cultural significance, symbolizing wealth and prosperity in various societies.

Naturally, the Maldives, with its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, became a pivotal point for trade, attracting merchants and traders from distant lands. The archipelago's pristine waters and abundant marine resources allowed it to engage in a variety of lucrative exports beyond cowry shells. Among these Re-exports were spices, such as cinnamon and cloves, which were highly sought after in international markets. The unique climate and fertile soil of the Maldives contributed to the cultivation of these spices, which were often traded for other goods, further enriching the local economy.

In addition to spices, the Maldives also exported fish, particularly dried and salted varieties, which were essential for long-distance voyages. The fishing industry flourished due to the rich marine biodiversity surrounding the islands. Fishermen utilized traditional methods passed down through generations, ensuring a sustainable harvest that could meet both local needs and the demands of foreign markets.

Another important export was coconut products, including copra, which is the dried meat of the coconut used to produce oil. The coconut palm, often referred to as the "tree of life," provided not only food and drink but also materials for crafting various goods. The versatility of coconuts made them an invaluable resource for the Maldivian people, and their export added another layer of economic stability to the region.

As trade expanded, the Maldives became a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Arab, Indian, and African traders, among others. This cultural exchange enriched the local society, leading to the development of a unique Maldivian identity that blended various traditions, languages, and customs. The vibrant trade routes facilitated not only the exchange of goods but also ideas, art, and technology, further enhancing the Maldives' status as a critical hub in the Indian Ocean trade network.

In conclusion, while cowry shells played a significant role in the economic framework of the Maldives, the archipelago was also known for its diverse range of lucrative exports, including spices, fish, and coconut products. The intersection of trade, culture, and natural resources helped shape the Maldives into a thriving center of commerce, leaving a lasting impact on its history and development.

One of these was the cowrie shell (Cypraea Moneta—a small shell found exclusively in the Maldives), which was exported in large quantities and used as currency in Bengal and parts of Africa. Duarte Barbosa, writing in the early sixteenth century, confirms this:

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Duarte Barbosa 1480 – 1 May 1521) was a Portuguese writer and officer from Portuguese India

.. they also carry from here certain small shells, which are highly sought after in the kingdom of Gujarat and in Bengal, where they circulate as small change, considered cleaner and better than copper.” João de Barros concurs: “There is also a type of shellfish, as small as a snail but differently shaped, with a hard, white, lustrous shell. Some are so highly colored and lustrous that, when made into buttons and set in gold, they resemble enamel. Many ships are loaded with these shells as ballast for Bengal and Siam, where they are used as money just as we use small copper coins for purchasing items of little value. Even to this kingdom of Portugal, as much as two or three thousand quintals are brought in some years as ballast; they are then exported to Guinea and the kingdoms of Benin and Congo, where they are also used as money, with the locals in the interior regions treasuring them.” Evidence from Fernandes' description indicates that the cowrie shell also played a key role in the domestic economy: “The rent the king receives from the islands is all in mussels and oysters, and this only from the natives, as foreign merchants pay their tribute in merchandise or gold or silver. They pay in these shells not only because they are found in greater quantity in these islands than anywhere else, but also because each person pays his dues in so many thousand bastoes or so many cotas of shells according to how much he earns from his trade.”

Source:

Portuguese Regimentos on Sri Lanka, Colombo: Department of National Archives,

Chandra R. de Silva Professor of History Old Dominion University