CBSE Class 7 Social Science Chapter 6: Towns, Traders and Craftspersons NCERT Solutions

Solution: (a) The Rajarajeshvara temple was built in the early 11th century by King Rajaraja Chola. (b) Ajmer is famously associated with the revered Sufi saint Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti, whose shrine is a major pilgrimage site. (c) Hampi, known for its magnificent ruins, was the capital of the powerful Vijayanagara Empire. (d) The Dutch established a significant trading settlement at Masulipatnam (also known as Machilipatnam) in Andhra Pradesh.

Solution: (a) True. An inscription found at the Rajarajeshvara temple mentions the name of the architect, who was tasked with its construction. (b) False. Merchants often preferred to travel in caravans for safety and mutual support during long and potentially dangerous trade journeys. (c) False. While Kabul was a significant trading center, it was primarily known for trade in horses and other goods, not particularly elephants. (d) False. Surat was a major trading port, but it was located on the west coast of India, on the Arabian Sea, not on the Bay of Bengal.

Solution: Water supply for the city of Thanjavur, a prominent urban center, was primarily sourced from wells and tanks. These water bodies were crucial for meeting the daily needs of the city's inhabitants.

Solution: The 'Black Towns' in cities like Madras were typically inhabited by the native population involved in commerce and crafts. This included merchants, artisans (such as weavers), native traders, and craftspersons.

Solution: Towns often grew around temples due to several interconnected factors:

1. Settlement of People: Temples attracted a large number of people, including priests, workers, artisans, and traders, who settled in the vicinity to serve the temple and its visitors.
2. Economic Hub: These settlements catered to the diverse needs of the temple staff, pilgrims, and the surrounding population. Temples also received land grants and donations, which they used to finance trade and banking, further stimulating economic activity.
3. Pilgrimage Destination: As temples became important religious and pilgrimage centers, the influx of visitors created demand for goods and services, fostering the growth of markets and settlements, eventually leading to the development of what are known as 'temple towns'.

Solution: Craftspersons played a vital and indispensable role in both the construction and upkeep of temples. Their importance can be seen in the following ways:

1. Skilled Labor for Construction: The Vishwakarma community, which included skilled artisans like goldsmiths, bronzesmiths, blacksmiths, masons, and carpenters, were fundamental to the architectural and structural development of temples.
2. Economic Contribution: Weavers, such as the Saliyar or Kaikkolars, were prosperous communities who often made significant donations to temples, contributing financially to their maintenance and expansion.
3. Specialized Crafts: The craftspersons of Bidar, for instance, were renowned for their exquisite inlay work on copper and silver. Such specialized skills were crucial for the decorative and artistic aspects of temple building and maintenance, enhancing their grandeur and spiritual significance.

Solution: People from distant lands visited Surat for several compelling reasons, establishing it as a major cosmopolitan center:

1. Gateway for Trade: Surat served as a crucial gateway for trade with West Asia, accessible via the Gulf of Ormuz. This strategic location facilitated the exchange of goods between India and the Middle East.
2. Pilgrimage Hub: It was also known as the 'gate to Mecca' because numerous ships carrying pilgrims set sail from Surat to the holy city, making it an important center for religious travel.
3. Vibrant Market: The city boasted a large and active market for cotton textiles. Numerous retail and wholesale shops offered a wide variety of cotton fabrics, attracting buyers from afar.
4. Renowned Textiles: Surat's textiles were particularly famous for their intricate gold lace borders, known as 'zari'. These high-quality textiles were in demand in West Asia, Africa, and Europe.
5. Attractive Amenities: Surat offered excellent facilities for visitors, including ample rest-houses. Magnificent buildings and beautiful pleasure parks also added to its allure, attracting people from distant places.

Solution: Craft production varied significantly between different historical cities. In Thanjavur, a prominent craft was the intricate inlay work, particularly on copper and silver. In contrast, cities like Calcutta (Kolkata) were known for large-scale production of cotton textiles, jute textiles, and silk textiles, reflecting different resource bases and market demands.

Solution: This question requires a personal comparison based on your own knowledge of a familiar town or village. To attempt it, consider the following points for comparison:

Similarities:

• Markets: Does your town/village have a market where local crafts or goods are sold, similar to the markets in historical towns?
• Craftspersons: Are there local artisans or craftspersons (e.g., potters, weavers, carpenters) in your area whose work is similar to those described?
• Community Life: Do people in your town/village gather for festivals or community events, similar to how people congregated in temple towns?

Differences:

• Scale of Trade: Is the trade in your town/village on a local or regional scale, compared to the extensive international trade of cities like Surat?
• Specialization: Is craft production highly specialized in your area, or is it more general?
• Infrastructure: How does the infrastructure (e.g., transportation, housing, water supply) in your town/village compare to the historical descriptions?
• Influence of Religion/Rulers: Is the town/village primarily shaped by religious institutions or rulers, as temple towns were?

Reflect on these aspects to draw your own conclusions about the similarities and differences.

Solution: Temple towns represent a significant and distinct pattern of urbanization in history, where religious centers evolved into bustling towns due to the congregation of people and economic activities associated with the temple.

Solution: Rulers endowed temples with grants of land and money primarily to enable the temples to conduct elaborate rituals, provide food for pilgrims and priests, and celebrate religious festivals. These endowments also served to enhance the ruler's prestige and piety.

Solution: Pilgrims contributed to temples mainly through donations. These contributions, whether in cash or kind, were vital for the temple's upkeep, rituals, and expansion.

Solution: Bronze is a metal alloy, primarily composed of copper and tin. It is known for its durability and was used historically for making tools, weapons, and artistic objects.

Solution: Bell metal is a specific type of bronze that contains a higher proportion of tin compared to other bronzes. This particular composition gives it a characteristic resonant, bell-like sound when struck, making it suitable for making bells and gongs.

Solution: Temple authorities often utilized the wealth accumulated through donations and land grants to finance trade and banking activities. This helped in generating further income for the temple and contributed to the economic development of the region.

Solution: Indian traders brought valuable commodities such as gold and ivory from Africa. These were important items of trade that were highly sought after in India.