The term 'Yavanapriya' mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts referred to:

Correct Answer: Pepper

Subject: history

Ivory
Pepper
Muslin
Silk

Explanation: • Yavanapriya = 'Favourite of the Yavanas (Greeks/Romans)' — refers to Black Pepper • India earned massive gold from Rome through pepper exports • Pliny the Elder lamented Rome spent 50 million sesterces annually on Indian goods • Malabar Coast (Kerala) was the primary pepper-producing region • Major export ports: Muziriis (Kodungallur) and Barygaza (Bharuch) • Source: Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (1st century AD) — key text for ancient Indo-Roman trade