What are the sources that inform us about the towns in the mediaeval India
Answers
Answer:
Types of Towns
Although there is no clear-cut distinction between two towns, yet, some of them differ from another in terms of size, geographical location or even occupation of the residents. Based on such distinctions, the researchers categorised towns under several heads. They are as under:
Court Towns
These were the politically important and comparatively bigger towns of the country. They included Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri and Lahore. Delhi at the time was known as Shahjahanabad, after the name of emperor Shahjahan. The town of Fatehpur Sikri was founded by Akbar and was declared as capital during his reign. During the medieval times, these towns held the seat of the ruler, hence the name.
Port and Trading Towns
Next were the towns which were famous for their trade. Since during those days trading happened either by land or by sea, these were mostly by the seaside. Hence, they were called as port and trading towns. Surat, Nagapattinam, Broach are among some of the prominent ports of the period.
Administrative Towns
These were basically the seat of administration. In other words, capital cities. The rulers operated from these towns to administer the adjoining ones. Thanjavur and Uraiyur are few of its examples.
Temple Towns and Pilgrimage Centres
Religion had always been an important part of the civilisation. As a result of which there were certain towns which were designated holy places. They were so named due to having holy places or pilgrimage centres in them. A lot of money came through pilgrims by way of donations. The money received was further channelized into trade and banking.
These towns became the centres for economic development and urbanisation. Varanasi, Ajmer, Tirupati, Somnath etc. are examples of this kind of town.
Explanation: