Which statement best analyzes the impact of Indian Ocean trade on religious beliefs in Africa?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Buddhism became the major religion of East Africa after merchants from southeast Asia settled there to be a part of Indian Ocean trade.
Buddhism became the major religion of East Africa after merchants from southeast Asia settled there to be a part of Indian Ocean trade.

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

Indian merchants formed settlements in North Africa, spreading Hindu customs.
Indian merchants formed settlements in North Africa, spreading Hindu customs.

Inspired by the voyages of Zheng He, Chinese merchants settled in Africa and spread Confucianism, leading to large pockets of Confucian populations there.

Answer 1

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

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

This statement accurately reflects the historical context of trade along the Indian Ocean, where Arab merchants significantly contributed to the spread of Islam in East Africa, particularly along the Swahili coast, through both trade and cultural exchange.