what were the distinguish features of trade and urbanization in the early medieval India

Hey,

Characteristic of urbanization during the medieval period in India were : In the early medieval period, the rate of urbanisation was slow due to unstable political conditions. Only fortress towns under the patronage of chieftains and petty rulers could grow.

The resurgence of a variety of urban centres visible in the 9-10th centuries continued

during the Sultanate period albeit at a much greater pace. Delhi Sultans brought a large

part of the subcontinent under their sway. The peace following the establishment of the

Turkish power helped traders and craftsmen. The introduction of new techniques and

tools led to the emergence of new crafts which got further accelerated by the ‘liberation

of craftsmen’ who were shackled by the jati restrictions. This ‘liberation’ contributed

to craft mobility what Mohammad Habib has termed an ‘urban revolution’. New towns

emerged and the existing ones were modified. Further, since the new ruling elite was

largely city based; the large share of revenue resources from the rural areas were

mobilised to the cities to meet the requirements of their armed retainers and large

establishments. The luxurious lifestyle of the elites/nobility and their other needs

accompanied with an increased demand for various commodities which in turn steered

the emergence of new crafts as well as expansion of the existing ones. Moreover,

state’s insistence on revenue returns in cash further speeded the monetisation process

that facilitated the spurt in markets across the subcontinent in the fourteenth century