Tag: history

Usually a samanta or, in later times,a zamindar built a fortified palace in or near small towns. They levied taxes on traders, artisans and articles of trade and sometimes "donated" the "right" to collect these taxes to local temples, which had been built by themselves or by rich merchants.

Temple authorities used their wealth to finance trade and banking. Gradually a large number of priests, workers, artisans, traders, etc. settled near temple to cater to its needs and those of the pilgrims.

From the eighth century onwards the subcontinent was dotted with several small towns. These probably emerged from large villages. They usually had a mandapika or mandi of later time to which nearby villagers brought their produce to sell.

Ajmer, Rajasthan was the capital of the Chauhan Kings in the twelfth century and later became the suba headquarters under the Mughals. It provides an excellent example of religious coexistance.

As the traders had to pass through many kingdoms and forests, they usually travelled in caravans and formed guilds to protect their interests. In eighth century the most famous guilds were the Manigramam and Nanadesi. These guilds traded extensively both within the peninsula and with Southeast Asia and China.

Temple towns represent a very important pattern of urbanisation, the process by which cities develop. Temples were often central to the economy and society.

Rulers built temples to demonstrate their devotion to various deities. They also endowed temples with grants of land and money to carry out elaborate rituals, feed pilgrims and priests and celebrate festivals. Pilgrims who flocked to the temples also made donations.

Towns emerged around temples such as those of Bhillasvamin or Bhilsa or Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh and Somnath in Gujrta. Other important tempe towns included Kanchipuram and Madurai in Tamil Nadu and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.

The small towns had market streets called hatta or haat of later times lined with shops. Besides, there were streets for different kinds of artisans such as potters, oil pressers, sugar makers, toddy makers, smiths, stone masons etc.