Towns, Traders and Craftspersons: CBSE Class 7 History Chapter 6

Understanding the Different Types of Medieval Towns

In medieval India, a single town often performed multiple functions. For example, Thanjavur, the capital of the Cholas, was both an administrative center and a temple town. Here, the magnificent Rajarajeshvara temple stood as a symbol of royal power, built by King Rajaraja Chola. Temple towns like Thanjavur, Madurai, and Somnath grew because temples were central to the economy and society. Rulers endowed temples with land and money to carry out elaborate rituals, feed pilgrims, and celebrate festivals. Pilgrimage centers also slowly developed into townships, such as Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh) and Tiruvannamalai (Tamil Nadu). On the other hand, commercial and port towns like Surat and Masulipatnam grew rapidly because they were located near busy sea routes, attracting merchants from Europe, West Asia, and beyond.

The Lost-Wax (Cire Perdue) Bronze Casting Technique

1. Making the Wax Model — Craftspersons first made an exact image of the deity or figure using solid beeswax.
2. Coating with Clay — The wax model was carefully covered with wet clay and allowed to dry completely in the sun.
3. Heating and Draining — A tiny hole was made at the bottom of the clay cover. The model was then heated, causing the wax inside to melt and drain out through the hole.
4. Pouring Molten Bronze — Molten bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) was poured into the hollow clay mold through the same hole.
5. Revealing the Masterpiece — Once the metal cooled and solidified, the outer clay cover was carefully broken away, leaving behind a beautiful, smooth bronze statue.

Comparing Three Major Medieval Towns: Hampi, Surat, and Masulipatnam

Exam Tips: Scoring High on Medieval History

Don't confuse the roles of Hampi, Surat, and Masulipatnam. Hampi was a fortified capital, Surat was a commercial emporium for West Asian trade, and Masulipatnam was a busy port town on the Bay of Bengal. Also, remember that the Chola bronze images were made of bronze, which is an alloy of copper and tin, not pure brass. Memorizing the steps of the 'lost-wax' technique is highly useful as it is a common 3-mark or 5-mark question in Class 7 exams!

Practice Questions with Solutions

• Q: Why did temple towns represent a very important pattern of urbanization?
  A: Step 1: Temples were central to the economy and society. Rulers poured wealth into temples to demonstrate devotion and power.
  Step 2: This wealth was used by temple authorities to finance trade and banking.
  Step 3: A large number of priests, artisans, traders, and pilgrims settled near the temple to cater to its needs, leading to rapid urbanization.
  Final answer: Temple towns grew because temples were economic powerhouses that supported priests, craftsmen, and traders, creating urban centers around them.

• Q: What were the main problems faced by medieval traders traveling long distances? How did they solve them?
  A: Step 1: Medieval traders had to travel through many kingdoms and forests, making them vulnerable to highway robbers.
  Step 2: To protect themselves, they usually traveled in caravans.
  Step 3: They also formed guilds (associations) to protect their trade interests. Famous guilds included Manigramam and Nanadesi.
  Final answer: Long-distance traders faced risks of robbery and heavy transit taxes. They solved these issues by traveling in groups (caravans) and forming powerful trade guilds.

• Q: Why was Surat called the 'Gateway to West Asia'?
  A: Step 1: Surat in Gujarat was located on the western coast of India, making it a natural departure port for ships going to the Persian Gulf.
  Step 2: It was also the starting point for many pilgrim ships sailing to the holy city of Mecca.
  Step 3: Its famous Zari textiles (gold lace borders) had vast markets in West West Asia, Africa, and Europe.
  Final answer: Surat was called the Gateway to West Asia because of its strategic western location, its role in Mecca pilgrimage travels, and its highly active trade routes with the Persian Gulf.

• Q: Why did the port town of Masulipatnam decline by the late seventeenth century?
  A: Step 1: The English, Dutch, and French East India Companies fought for control over Masulipatnam because of its strategic trading value on the east coast.
  Step 2: The Mughal Empire extended its power to Golconda (which ruled Masulipatnam), leading to higher taxes and control.
  Step 3: The European companies shifted their headquarters to Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras, which diverted merchant traffic away from Masulipatnam.
  Final answer: Masulipatnam declined due to Mughal expansion, fierce European competition, and the shifting of trade routes to Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta.

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