Over the centuries, both cotton and silk have played an important role in the evolution of India as a major economic power.
Historically, India has always been known for its pepper, while tea plantations made their appearance on the subcontinent during British rule.
There are several references to pearls in Indian mythology, while indigo farming played an important role in Indian independence from British rule.
Fragrant sandalwood is the second most expensive wood in the world. Cinnamon's potency as a spice and medicine make it a valued commodity.
India produces 70 percent of the world's cashews and 80 percent of the world's turmeric, both of which are used worldwide in cooking.
India is the third largest producer of natural rubber in the world; chilli is India's second most produced spice. Both have fascinating histories.
Although not originally Indian, coffee is now grown exponentially across the country. Saffron has been grown in India for at least 2,500 years.
Silver and gold have played a dominant role in Indian economic activity for a long time, so much so that India was once known as the golden sparrow.
Mustard has long been known and revered on the Indian subcontinent, while ivory occupied a prestigious position in ancient India.
The history of zinc mining in India goes back centuries, as does the cultivation of sesame, the first seed from which oil was extracted.
India is the world's largest producer of cumin, while the ebony grown on the subcontinent is one of the most expensive woods in the world.
Clove and fennel, two important spices in Indian cuisine, are now prized worldwide for their flavors and medicinal properties.
Cardamom has long been valued for its flavor and fragrance, while copper has been used by humanity since the neolithic age.
