Short Answer Questions
Q1: What were the different types of towns in the medieval period?
Ans: The different types of towns in the medieval period included administrative centers, temple towns, centers of trade and commerce, port towns, and towns founded by rulers.
Q2: Name an administrative center from the medieval period.
Ans: Delhi was an administrative center during the medieval period.
Q3: What was the primary function of temple towns in medieval India?
Ans: Temple towns primarily catered to religious needs and often had large temples built under royal patronage.
Q4: Which medieval town was known for its kalamkari textiles?
Ans: Masulipatnam was known for its kalamkari textiles.
Q5: What was unique about Hampi's architecture, as described by foreign travelers?
Ans: Foreign travelers described Hampi's architecture as well-fortified with distinctive features such as splendid arches, domes, and pillared halls.
Q6: What was the primary function of the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi?
Ans: The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi was a center of cultural activities and commerce.
Q7: Why did the Vijayanagara rulers place great importance on constructing irrigation facilities?
Ans: The Vijayanagara rulers focused on irrigation facilities to ensure a consistent water supply for agriculture and support a growing population.
Q8: How did port towns in medieval India contribute to trade?
Ans: Port towns in medieval India served as trade centers on the coastline, facilitating trade with foreign regions such as Africa, West Asia, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Q9: Why did Surat decline towards the end of the 17th century?
Ans: Surat declined due to factors like the sack of the city by Shivaji in 1664 CE and the loss of Mughal control over markets and productivity.
Q10: What were the main articles of export from Surat?
Ans: The main articles of export from Surat included textiles, jewelry, and merchandise.
Long Answer Questions
Q11: Explain the functions and characteristics of administrative centers in medieval India.
Ans: Administrative centers were the main seats of the administrative machinery and capital cities. They were strategically located and often depended on royal patronage. They were surrounded by well-defended forts and played a crucial role in governance and administration.
Q12: Describe the significance of temple towns and their role in medieval India.
Ans: Temple towns were centered around large temples and catered to religious needs. They were known for large temples built under royal patronage and served as hubs for trade, agriculture, banking, and craft production.
Q13: Explain the importance of Masulipatnam as a trading center in the medieval period.
Ans: Masulipatnam was a key trading center, founded by Arab traders, and played a crucial role in international trade with countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. It specialized in weaving and dyeing industries, producing kalamkari textiles for export.
Q14: Discuss the architecture and features of Hampi, the capital city of the Vijayanagara empire.
Ans: Hampi was strategically located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River and was known for its distinctive architecture, including splendid arches, domes, and pillared halls. It had well-planned orchards and pleasure gardens with sculptural motifs such as the lotus.
Q15: How did irrigation facilities developed by the Vijayanagara rulers contribute to the region's prosperity?
Ans: The Vijayanagara rulers emphasized the construction of irrigation facilities, including tanks, canals, and wells. These facilities ensured a consistent water supply for agriculture, which was essential for the region's prosperity and the support of a growing population.
Q16: Compare and contrast centers of trade and commerce with port towns in medieval India.
Ans: Centers of trade and commerce primarily focused on inland trade and had bustling markets. Port towns, on the other hand, were located on the coast and facilitated maritime trade, connecting India to foreign regions. Both played vital roles in trade but had different geographic and logistical focuses.
Q17: Analyze the decline of Surat towards the end of the 17th century. What were the key factors contributing to its decline?
Ans: Surat declined due to several factors, including the sack of the city by Shivaji in 1664 CE and the loss of Mughal control over its markets and productivity. The decline marked a shift in the city's fortunes and its eventual takeover by the British.
Q18: Describe the different kinds of handicrafts produced in the medieval period in India.
Ans: Handicrafts in the medieval period included textiles, jewelry, pottery, metalwork, woodwork, and more. Different regions specialized in various crafts, and they were often produced by skilled artisans and craftsmen.
Q19: Explain the significance of external trade during the medieval period in India.
Ans: External trade during the medieval period involved extensive commercial connections with regions like Africa, West Asia, Europe, and Southeast Asia. It included the exchange of goods like textiles, spices, precious metals, and more, which played a vital role in India's economic and cultural interactions with the world.
Q20: Elaborate on the role of towns in medieval India's prosperity and the development of specific functions in different types of towns.
Ans: Towns in medieval India played a crucial role in trade, administration, and culture. Different types of towns, such as administrative centers, temple towns, centers of trade and commerce, port towns, and towns founded by rulers, had unique functions and contributed to the overall prosperity of the region.
