Social Science · Class 7 · Towns, Traders and Craftspersons · Term 3

Crafts in Towns

Explore the flourishing craft production in medieval towns. Learn about the specialized skills of craftspersons, such as the metalworkers of Bidar famous for their 'Bidri' inlay work, and the weavers of textiles.

TL;DR:Let's become time-travelling explorers to visit three amazing but very different cities of medieval India. We will uncover the secrets of a mighty capital, a busy port, and a global trade hub.

• CBSE Learning Outcomes
• NCERT: Class VII - Our Pasts II - Chapter 6

About This Topic

This topic delves into the vibrant urban landscape of medieval India, moving beyond the study of empires and dynasties to focus on the economic and cultural hearts of the period: its towns. Aligned with the NCERT framework for Class 7 Social Science, this chapter uses the case studies of Hampi, Masulipatnam, and Surat to illustrate the diverse nature of urban centres. Hampi is presented not just as the capital of the magnificent Vijayanagara Empire but as a fortified, cosmopolitan hub of commerce and culture. Masulipatnam, on the Bay of Bengal, exemplifies a port town that became a crucible of competition among Indian merchants and European trading companies like the Dutch, English, and French, all vying for control over its famous textiles.

Surat, on the west coast, is showcased as the premier gateway for trade with West Asia and Europe during the Mughal era, and also as a significant religious centre for pilgrims. The study of these three towns provides a nuanced understanding of medieval Indian economy, craftsmanship, and the early stages of India's integration into global trade networks. It also critically examines the factors, such as the decline of parent empires, shifting trade routes, and the rise of new colonial port cities like Bombay (now Mumbai), that led to the transformation and sometimes decline of these once-thriving centres. This contextualises the gradual yet momentous shift of economic power from Indian rulers and merchants to European companies.

Key Questions

1. Identify two famous crafts of medieval India and the towns associated with them.
2. Explain how craft production was organized in towns.
3. Analyse the importance of craftspersons to the economy of a medieval town.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the key features of Hampi as an administrative and cultural centre.
• Explain the commercial importance of the port towns of Masulipatnam and Surat.
• Analyse the factors that led to the rise and subsequent decline of these medieval urban centres.
• Compare the roles of Indian merchants and different European trading companies.
• Locate Hampi, Masulipatnam, and Surat on a map of India.

Key Vocabulary

Emporium	A large commercial centre or a place where goods from many different places are bought and sold.
Hinterland	The land or district that lies behind a coast or a river's banks, which supplies goods to a port or city.
Fortification	The act of building defensive walls and other structures around a place to protect it from attack.
Guild	An association of craftsmen or merchants formed for mutual aid and protection and for the furtherance of their professional interests.
Factor	An official in charge of a trading post or 'factory' belonging to the East India Company.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

All medieval towns were the same, just smaller versions of capital cities.

What to Teach Instead

Medieval towns were highly specialised. Hampi was an administrative and cultural capital, Masulipatnam was a production and port town, and Surat was a major commercial emporium for international trade. Each had a unique function and character.

Common Misconception

European traders arrived in India and immediately took control of all trade.

What to Teach Instead

Initially, European trading companies had to compete fiercely with powerful and wealthy Indian merchants and trading communities. Their dominance was established gradually over many decades through a combination of trade, diplomacy, and eventually, military force.

Common Misconception

Hampi was just a city of temples.

What to Teach Instead

While famous for its magnificent temples, Hampi was a bustling, well-fortified city. It had vibrant markets, a strong administrative centre, and was the thriving capital of the powerful Vijayanagara Empire, full of life and commerce.

Active Learning Ideas

Gallery Walk

Medieval City Planners

In small groups, students create a large chart paper map or a simple model of either Hampi, Masulipatnam, or Surat. They must include and label key features like fortifications, markets (bazaars), ports, temples, and craft workshops, then present their city's importance to the class.

45 min·Small Groups

Gallery Walk

Trade Route Challenge

On a large map of India and the world, students use different coloured strings or markers to trace the major trade routes originating from Surat and Masulipatnam. They should also label the key goods that were traded along these routes, like textiles, spices, and indigo.

30 min·Pairs

Gallery Walk

Decline of a City: A News Report

Students act as reporters from the late 17th century and write a short news article or perform a skit explaining the reasons for the decline of Surat. They should include imaginary quotes from merchants, officials, or artisans.

40 min·Individual

Real-World Connections

• Understanding how historical trade routes shaped cities like Surat helps us appreciate the role of modern ports like Mumbai and Chennai in India's current economy.
• The competition between Dutch, English, and French companies in Masulipatnam is an early example of global economic rivalry, similar to competition between multinational corporations today.
• The decline of Surat due to the rise of Bombay shows how cities must constantly adapt to economic changes to remain relevant, a lesson applicable to modern urban planning.
• The preservation of Hampi as a UNESCO World Heritage site demonstrates the value of protecting our history for future generations, education, and tourism.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

Use an exit ticket where students must write down one unique feature for each of the three cities studied. This quickly checks for basic comprehension.

Quick Check

A short test with questions requiring students to compare Hampi and Surat, explain the competition in Masulipatnam, and analyse the reasons for Surat's decline.

Quick Check

Students can fill out a simple checklist rating their own understanding of each city's importance on a scale of 1 to 3 before and after the lesson.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Surat called the 'gateway to Mecca'?

Surat was the main port from which Muslim pilgrims from the Mughal Empire would set sail for their Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Arabia. This made it a very important religious and commercial hub.

What was Kalamkari, which made Masulipatnam famous?

Kalamkari is a traditional Indian art of hand-painting or block-printing on cotton textiles. Masulipatnam was a major centre for producing this beautiful and much-in-demand fabric, which was a key item for export.

If Surat was so important, why did it decline?

Surat declined for several reasons in the late 17th century. The Mughal Empire, which protected it, weakened; it faced competition from the English East India Company's new port at Bombay (Mumbai); and the sea routes became less secure.