Who were the Early merchants of the East Indies?

The Early merchants of the East Indies primarily included European traders from countries such as the Netherlands, England, and Portugal, who sought valuable spices, silk, and other goods. They established trade routes and colonial outposts in regions like Indonesia and India, driven by the lucrative spice trade. Notable entities included the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and the British East India Company, which played significant roles in shaping trade and colonial policies in the region during the 16th to 18th centuries. These merchants often interacted with local rulers and populations, influencing both regional economies and global trade networks.