Explain how East African culture was impacted by trade in the Indian Ocean trade network.(1 point) Responses Indian merchants shared Hinduism with the Swahili, leading to a growth in the African Hindu population. Indian merchants shared Hinduism with the Swahili, leading to a growth in the African Hindu population. Muslims settled in southern Africa, sharing their ideas on political philosophy. Muslims settled in southern Africa, sharing their ideas on political philosophy. Portuguese traders settled on the African coast and spread Christian ideas. Portuguese traders settled on the African coast and spread Christian ideas. Traders from Asia and the Middle East settled in East Africa and shared their cultural ideas, especially their religions.

Answer 1

Traders from Asia and the Middle East settled in East Africa and shared their cultural ideas, especially their religions. The Indian Ocean trade network facilitated interactions between diverse cultures, leading to a blending of traditions. This resulted in the Swahili coast adopting elements from both Islamic and Hindu cultures, enriching local customs, religious practices, and societal structures. The exchange of goods also brought new technologies, languages, and ideas, which significantly influenced East African culture.