Which statement best analyzes the impact of Indian Ocean trade on religious beliefs on Africa?

Question

A. Buddhism became the major religion of East Africa after merchants from southeast Asia settled there to be a part of Indian Ocean trade
B. Arab merchants settling on the Swahili coast influenced cultural diffusion, leading to larger Muslim populations in eastern Africa
C. Indian merchants formed settlements in North Africa, spreading Hindu customs
D. Inspired by the voyages of Zheng He, Chinese merchants settled in Africa and spread Confucianism, leading to large pockets of Confucian population there

Answer 1

The statement that best analyzes the impact of Indian Ocean trade on religious beliefs in Africa is:

B. Arab merchants settling on the Swahili coast influenced cultural diffusion, leading to larger Muslim populations in eastern Africa.

This statement accurately reflects the historical influence of Arab traders on the Swahili coast, where their presence helped to spread Islam and facilitated cultural exchange between different peoples and nations involved in Indian Ocean trade.