21 Questions
Which type of market streets were called 'haat' in medieval India?
Street markets for traders to rest
Which port town in medieval India facilitated trade with Africa, West Asia, Europe, and Southeast Asia?
Masulipatnam
Which ruler established Fatehpur Sikri as an administrative center in medieval India?
Akbar
In which Indian temple town would one expect to find significant pilgrimage activity?
Tirupati
Which location served as a strategic trade center due to its position on the western coast of India?
(Present-day) Sopara
What was a common characteristic of the new capital cities established in medieval India?
Housing the ruler's court
Which town served as the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire?
Hampi
What was the significance of Masulipatnam during the medieval period?
Important seaport
Which city was the most important trading port during the Mughal period?
Surat
What material became very popular in India and across the world during the medieval period?
Cotton
Which foreign traveler provided vivid descriptions of the society and economy during the medieval period?
Niccolo de Conti
Which town was the first foothold of the British on the western coast of India?
Surat
What was the most significant aspect of the development of crafts and technology in Hampi during the medieval period?
Introduction of new architectural styles
Which town played a pivotal role in connecting India with regions like Africa, West Asia, Europe, and Southeast Asia during the medieval period?
Masulipatnam
What characterized the types of towns in the Vijayanagara Empire during the medieval period?
Prominent pilgrimage centers
During Krishnadeva's reign, what was a key feature of the trade activities in Surat?
Flourishing trade in textiles and spices
Which factor contributed significantly to the popularity of Indian handicrafts both domestically and internationally during the medieval period?
Increased demand for luxury goods
What type of fabric was predominantly used during the medieval period in India?
Cotton
What distinguished Masulipatnam as an influential seaport during the medieval period?
Role as a major hub for spice trade
What was the primary reason for Surat being considered the most important trading port city during the Mughal period?
'Surat' served as a crucial link between India and Arabia
'Besides architectural developments, what other advancements were notable in Hampi during the medieval period?'
Development of intricate irrigation systems
Study Notes
Types of Towns in Medieval India
- Administrative centres: housed the ruler's court and were fortified for protection
- Temple towns: centred around large temples and catered to pilgrims
- Pilgrimage centres: received regular donations from rulers and pilgrims, contributing to their rapid growth
- Centres of trade and commerce: had market streets called haat or large markets called mandis, and places for traders to rest
- Port towns: facilitated India's trade with Africa, West Asia, Europe, and Southeast Asia
- Newly founded towns: established by rulers, e.g., Hampi, Masulipatnam, and Surat
Hampi and Vijayanagara Empire
- Hampi developed as the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire
- Vijayanagara Kingdom was established in 1336 CE
- Domingo Paes, a Portuguese traveller, visited Vijayanagara in 1520-22 and described its fortified urban landscape, markets, temples, and royal centre
Surat and Masulipatnam
- Surat was the most important trading port city during the Mughal period and the first foothold of the British on the western coast of India
- Macchilipatnam was another name for the flourishing seaport of Masulipatnam
- Masulipatnam became a British trading port in 1611 CE
Trade and Commerce
- Cotton was the most important fabric in use during the medieval period
- Indian handicrafts became popular in India and across the world
- Foreign travellers like Niccolo de Conti, Abdur Razzag, Duarte Barbosa, and others provided vivid descriptions of the society and economy of the medieval period
Timeline
- 1300 CE - 1400 CE: Medieval period
- 1336 CE: Vijayanagara Kingdom established
- 1401 CE - 1500 CE: Development of crafts and technology
- 1514 CE: Duarte Barbosa calls Surat an important port
- 1611 CE: Masulipatnam becomes a British trading port
- 1664 CE: Shivaji ransacks Surat
Explore the evolution of the weaving and dyeing industries in Masulipatnam during the 17th century, including the production of Kalamkari textiles using bamboo pens. Learn about the town's significance as a trading hub with Arab countries and its cultural influence in West Asia and Europe.
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