ECONOMICS (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -The rise of the Soninke empire of Ghana appears to be related to the beginnings of the trans-Saharan gold trade in the fifth century.

Detailed explanation-2: -Mansa Musa inherited a kingdom that was already wealthy, but his work in expanding trade made Mali the wealthiest kingdom in Africa. His riches came from mining significant salt and gold deposits in the Mali kingdom.

Detailed explanation-3: -The West African Trading Empires of Ghana (800-1050 CE), Mali (1235-1464 CE), and Songhai (1464-1591 CE) were powerful and wealthy states that controlled the gold and salt trade in West Africa.

Detailed explanation-4: -At its peak, Ghana was chiefly bartering gold, ivory and slaves for salt from Arabs and horses, cloth, swords and books from North Africans and Europeans. Back then, salt was worth its weight in gold. Because gold was so abundant in the kingdom, Ghana achieved much of its wealth through trade with the Arabs.

Detailed explanation-5: -At its peak, Ghana was chiefly bartering gold, ivory, and slaves for salt from Arabs and horses, cloth, swords, and books from North Africans and Europeans.