Textbook Solutions: Towns, Traders and Craftspeople | Footprints Class 7: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

I. Based on your understanding, Choose the correct option. 

II. Answer the following in one sentence. 

Q11.
Ans: Agra and Surat.

Q12.
Ans: Niccolo Conti, Abdur Razzaq, and Domingo Paes.

Q13.
Ans: Kalamkari is a type of textile art where designs are painted on cloth using colored dyes and a bamboo pen (kalam).

Q14.
Ans: Hampi was strategically located on the banks of the river Tungabhadra and served as the capital city of the Vijayanagara empire, with well-planned architecture, temples, and irrigation facilities.

Q15.
Ans: Masulipatnam is also known as Macchilipatnam because it derives its name from a gateway to the town decorated with the eyes of a fish (machili).

III. Answer the following questions in brief. 

Q16.
Ans: The decline of Surat was caused by factors such as the Maratha leader Shivaji's sack of the city in 1664 CE, the loss of Mughal control over markets, and the shifting of the English headquarters to Cambay.

Q17.
Ans: In the medieval period, various types of handicrafts were produced, including textiles, jewelry, metalwork, pottery, and paintings. These crafts were often centered in specific towns and regions and were significant contributors to the economy.

Q18.
Ans: External trade during the medieval period was extensive, with India engaging in trade with various regions, including Africa, West Asia, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Port towns played a crucial role in facilitating this trade, and goods such as textiles, spices, and jewelry were exchanged.

Q19.
Ans: The Vijayanagara rulers, particularly Krishnadeva Raya, constructed significant irrigation facilities, including huge tanks, canals, and diversion dams. These facilities helped with water storage and distribution, allowing for the irrigation of gardens and rice fields, thereby promoting agriculture and trade.

IV. Answer the following questions in detail. 

Q20.
Ans: Centers of trade and commerce, such as Benaras and Agra, were primarily focused on trade, retail markets, and craft production. They had market streets (haat) and large retail markets (mandis) and served as hubs for textile and craft centers. In contrast, port towns like Surat and Masulipatnam were located on the coastlines and served as major trade centers with a specific emphasis on maritime trade. They facilitated trade with foreign regions and played a crucial role in exporting goods to various parts of the world.

Q21.
Ans: Administrative centers, like Delhi and Agra, served as the main seats of administrative machinery and were often the capital cities of empires. They were strategically located and heavily fortified, dependent on royal patronage. Towns founded by rulers, such as Hyderabad and Fatehpur Sikri, were established to accommodate growth or commemorate victories. While they also served as administrative centers, they were often smaller in scale and housed the ruler's court. Administrative centers had a primary focus on governance, while towns founded by rulers had a more mixed purpose.

Q22.
Ans: Masulipatnam, also known as Macchilipatnam, was a significant trading center during the medieval period. It was established in the 14th century by Arab traders and developed into a hub for international trade and commerce. The town traded with countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia and later established sea links with Arab countries. Masulipatnam was famous for its kalamkari textiles and prints, which had a ready market in West Asia and Europe. The town's location on the Coromandel Coast made it a vital port for trade, and it played a crucial role in India's maritime trade during that time.

Q23.
Ans: Foreign travelers like Niccolo Conti, Abdur Razzaq, and Domingo Paes described Hampi as a well-fortified city with distinctive architecture. The buildings featured splendid arches, domes, and pillared halls, and the city had well-planned orchards and pleasure gardens with sculptural motifs. Hampi was also known for its temples, such as the Virupaksha Temple, which were hubs for cultural activities and commerce. The travelers noted the city's strategic location on the banks of the Tungabhadra River and its role in controlling trade on the Indian peninsula.