Table of Contents
Chapter 6 Towns, Traders and Craftspersons – Textbook Exercise -(Solved)
1. Fill in the blanks-
(a) The Rajarajeshvara temple was built in ———.
- Answer- Thanjavur
- Explanation- The Rajarajeshvara temple, known for its magnificent architecture, was built in Thanjavur by the Chola dynasty.
(b) Ajmer is associated with the Sufi saint ————.
- Answer- Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti
- Explanation- Ajmer, in Rajasthan, is historically associated with the revered Sufi saint Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti, who attracted devotees from various faiths.
(c) Hampi was the capital of the ———— Empire.
- Answer- Vijayanagara
- Explanation- Hampi was the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire, known for its strategic location and architectural splendour.
(d) The Dutch established a settlement at ———— in Andhra Pradesh.
- Answer- Masulipatnam
- Explanation- The Dutch, among other European traders, established a settlement in Masulipatnam, a major port city in Andhra Pradesh.
2. State whether true or false-
(a) We know the name of the architect of the Rajarajeshvara temple from an inscription.
- Answer- True
- Explanation- The name of the architect of the Rajarajeshvara temple, Kunjaramallan Rajaraja Perunthachchan, is known from inscriptions where he proudly carved his name.
(b) Merchants preferred to travel individually rather than in caravans.
- Answer- False
- Explanation- Merchants in historical times often travelled in caravans for safety, especially when passing through multiple kingdoms and forests.
(c) Kabul was a major centre for trade in elephants.
- Answer- False
- Explanation- Kabul was a major centre for the trade of horses, not elephants. It was also known for trading in items like dried fruits, dates, carpets, and silks.
(d) Surat was an important trading port on the Bay of Bengal.
- Answer- False
- Explanation- Surat was an important trading port, but it was located on the Arabian Sea, not on the Bay of Bengal.
3. How was water supplied to the city of Thanjavur?
Answer In Thanjavur, water was supplied through wells and large tanks. This method was essential in ancient towns for meeting the daily water needs of the population and also played a significant role in agriculture.
4. Who lived in the “Black Towns” in cities such as Madras?
Answer– In the “Black Towns” of cities like Madras, native traders and craftspersons lived. These areas were established by European companies within the cities, where local Indian residents, particularly those engaged in trade and crafts, were confined. This segregation placed them in a separate area from the European rulers who lived in more privileged parts of the city, like Fort St. George in Madras.
5. Why do you think towns grew around temples?
Answer– Towns grew around temples primarily because these temples were not only spiritual centres but also hubs of economic and social activities. Temples often received land and money from rulers, which they used to finance trade, banking, and support community activities. This economic aspect attracted a variety of people including artisans, traders, and workers, who settled near the temples. Additionally, temples were the sites of festivals and cultural events, drawing pilgrims and tourists, which further contributed to the growth of towns around them.
6. How important were craftspersons for the building and maintenance of temples?
Answer– Craftspersons were crucial for the building and maintenance of temples. They included skilled artisans like goldsmiths, bronze smiths, blacksmiths, masons, and carpenters. These artisans were essential for constructing the physical structure of temples, including intricate carvings, sculptures, and artworks. Their skills were also important for the ongoing maintenance and restoration of temples, ensuring their durability and preservation of artistic and cultural heritage. The Panchalas or Vishwakarma community, for instance, played a pivotal role in building temples, showcasing their skills in metalwork and stonework.
7. Why did people from distant lands visit Surat?
Answer– People from distant lands visited Surat for its thriving trade and cosmopolitan culture. Surat was a major trading port on the Arabian Sea, attracting traders for its textile trade, especially cotton goods with gold lace borders (zari), and a variety of other merchandise like spices, silk, and precious stones. European traders from Portugal, the Netherlands, and England had established their factories and warehouses here. The city’s infrastructure, like rest-houses for international visitors, facilitated this global trade. Surat’s commercial significance made it a destination for merchants seeking profitable trade opportunities.
8. In what ways was craft production in cities like Calcutta different from that in cities like Thanjavur?
Answer– Craft production in cities like Calcutta during the colonial period was different from traditional cities like Thanjavur in several ways-
- Nature of Production- In Calcutta, craft production was more influenced by colonial demands and commercialization. It was oriented towards mass production to meet the demands of European markets.
- Control and Organization- The crafts in Calcutta were often under the control of European companies, notably the British East India Company. This contrasted with Thanjavur, where craft production was more integrated into the local culture and economy, often linked with temple activities and patronised by local rulers.
- Artisan Independence- In Thanjavur, artisans had more independence in terms of creativity and sales, while in Calcutta, many artisans worked under systems of advances and were bound to produce what was demanded by the Company.
- Type of Products- Thanjavur was known for its unique and traditional crafts, especially linked to temple and cultural activities, while Calcutta’s crafts were more diversified and influenced by global trade requirements.
9. Compare any one of the cities described in this chapter with a town or a village with which you are familiar. Do you notice any similarities or differences?
Answer- Comparison with Surat-
- Similarities- Many modern towns or cities, like Surat, serve as important commercial centres, facilitating trade and commerce. They often have diverse populations and play a significant role in the region’s economy.
- Differences- Unlike Surat in its prime, many contemporary towns or villages might not have the same level of international trade influence. Surat’s thriving port and the diversity of goods it handled, including textiles, spices, and precious stones, might be more extensive than in many modern smaller towns or villages.
10. What were the problems encountered by merchants? Do you think some of these problems persist today?
Answer
- Historical Problems- Merchants in the past faced numerous challenges, including piracy, high taxes, competition from both local and international traders, and the physical risks of long-distance travel over land and sea.
- Present-Day Context- Some of these issues persist but in different forms. For instance, modern merchants may deal with market competition, regulatory challenges, and the need for secure transportation of goods. However, technological advancements have significantly mitigated the risks of long-distance travel. Issues like piracy still exist in some parts of the world, and the complexity of international trade laws can pose challenges similar to historical tax burdens.
Also Check – Chapter 6- TOWNS, TRADERS AND CRAFTSPERSONS – Complete Notes
Also Check – Towns Traders and Craftspersons Class 7 Extra Questions and Answers
