What made the city of Masulipatnam populous and prosperous?
The city of Masulipatnam was a centre of intense activity during the 17th century. Both the Dutch and English East India Companies attempted to control this city as it became the most important part on the Andhra coast. Qutb Shah rulers of Golconda imposed royal monopolies on the sale of textiles, spices and other items in order to prevent the trade passing completely into the hands of the various East India Companies. This led to a fierce competition among various trading groups such as the Golconda nobles, Persian merchants, Telugu Komati Chettis and European traders. As a result the city became populous and prosperous.
Find out about the present-day taxes on markets. Who collects these taxes? How are they collected and are they used for?
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?
What purpose did small towns serve? [V. Imp.]
Or
Describe various Junctions of small towns.
Name a few Indian spices which became an important part of European cooking. Ans. Pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried ginger, g. 9. What were craftspersons of Bidar famous for?
In what ways was craft production in cities like Calcutta different from that in cities Wee Thanjavur?
State whether true or false:
(a) We know the name of the architect of the Rajarajeshvara temple from an inscription.
(b) Merchants preferred to travel individually rather than in caravans.
(c) Kabul was a major centre for trade in elephants.
(d) Surat was an important trading port on the Bay of Bengal.
Fill in the blanks:
(a) The Rajarajeshvara temple was built in ………………..
(b) Ajmer is associated with the Sufi saint…………………
(c) Hampi was the capital of the ………….
(d) The Dutch established a settlement at…………….. in Andhra Pradesh.
Describe the trade activities of the big and small traders belonging to the medieval time.
How did the system of advances snatch the freedom of the weavers?
OR
How did the Indian Crafts persons lose their independence?