M.A History
Short Notes – Section B: Question 10 (i–iv) i) Medieval Women as Property Holders In medieval India, the position of women as property holders was shaped by religious customs, regional practices, social status, and legal norms. While generally, women’s property rights were restricted, evidence suggests that women did own and manage property in certain contexts. […]
Short Notes – MHI-105 Question 10 (i–iv) Read More »
Introduction The Mughal Empire, with its vast territorial expanse and complex administrative system, required a robust mechanism for the transmission of official information. The postal communication system, or the dak chowki system, was a vital administrative tool that ensured the flow of orders, intelligence, and reports across the empire. Though primarily developed for state purposes,
Discuss the basic feature of the organisation of postal communication in Mughal India. Read More »
Introduction During the medieval period in India, the economy witnessed increasing monetization, commercial expansion, and growth of long-distance trade. In this evolving economic environment, sarrafs—money changers, bankers, and financiers—played a central role. Sarrafs were not merely moneylenders or currency exchangers; they were vital intermediaries in the financial and commercial life of medieval India. Their services
Analyze the role and significance of Sarrafs during medieval period in India. Read More »
Introduction The Mughal Empire (1526–1707) developed one of the most elaborate and systematic land revenue systems in pre-modern India. The assessment and collection of land revenue formed the backbone of the imperial economy and administration. Under rulers like Akbar, revenue methods were institutionalized, standardized, and rationalized to ensure a steady inflow of income. This post
Critically examine the methods of land revenue assessment under the Mughals. Read More »
Introduction Irrigation played a crucial role in shaping the agrarian economy of India during the early medieval (c. 600–1200 CE) and medieval (c. 1200–1700 CE) periods. As agriculture remained the primary source of livelihood and revenue, efficient water management was essential for supporting both subsistence and surplus production. The irrigation techniques used during these periods
Short Notes – Section A: Question 5 (i–iv) i) First Farmers of Bihar and the Doab The emergence of agriculture in the regions of Bihar and the Ganga-Yamuna Doab marks a significant chapter in India’s early economic history. Archaeological evidence from sites such as Chirand (in Bihar) and Koldihwa and Mahagara (in the Doab) reveals
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Introduction The Silk Route, spanning from East Asia to the Mediterranean, played a crucial role in facilitating trade, cultural exchange, and diplomatic relations from around 600 BCE to 300 CE. India occupied a central position on this network, serving as a key hub in the overland and maritime segments of the route. The Silk Route
Enumerate the importance of the silk route during c.600 BCE to 300 CE. Read More »
Introduction Coins are a vital source of information for reconstructing the economic history of ancient Indian empires. The Satavahana (1st century BCE – 3rd century CE) and Gupta (4th–6th century CE) empires, in particular, have left behind a rich numismatic legacy that offers insights into their trade, monetization, metallurgy, state control, and cultural affiliations. Through
Introduction Geographical regions have played a critical role in shaping the agricultural map of India since ancient times. India’s vast and varied topography, diverse climatic zones, soil types, and water availability have led to the development of region-specific agricultural systems. From the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains to the arid Deccan plateau, agriculture in India evolved in
To what extent geographical regions determined the agricultural map of India. Read More »
Introduction The economic history of Ancient India has undergone a significant transformation in recent decades. Earlier narratives were often shaped by colonial interpretations, orientalist biases, and a limited reliance on textual sources. However, recent trends show a multi-disciplinary approach that combines archaeology, environmental studies, anthropology, numismatics, and textual criticism. This has allowed historians to reconstruct
Account for the recent trends in the economic history writings of Ancient India. Read More »
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