6. The Indian Subcontinent’s Slave Markets
Slave trading in the Indian subcontinent has deep historical roots, stretching from ancient kingdoms through the Mughal period. Enslaved individuals arrived from Central Asia, Africa, and local communities, filling roles in royal courts, military units, and wealthy households. These diverse populations contributed to the region’s cultural mosaic, while the slave markets themselves played a key part in India’s social and economic life for centuries. Explore slavery in India and the Islamic world
