What factor significantly influenced the development of trade in the Indian Ocean?

The establishment of a centralized government under local rulers significantly influenced the development of trade in the Indian Ocean by creating an environment for stability and security that was conducive to commercial activities. Centralized governments often facilitated trade by regulating commerce, establishing trade agreements, and ensuring protection for merchants. This resulted in the growth of port cities and trading networks that were better organized and more efficient, enabling diverse cultures to interact through trade.

Centralized governance also provided the infrastructure necessary for trade routes, including the construction of ports and the maintenance of navigational aids that made travel across the Indian Ocean safer and more reliable. These factors combined allowed for an increase in the volume of goods traded, the expansion of trade routes, and the exchange of ideas and cultures, which further stimulated economic growth in the region.

While the establishment of European colonies, improvements in land routes, and the availability of natural resources might have certain impacts on trade, the primary driver in the context of the Indian Ocean trade was the effective governance provided by local rulers, which created the conditions necessary for prosperous trade practices to flourish.