📘 Class 7 History – Chapter 6
Towns, Traders and Craftspersons
(NCERT Notes)

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1️⃣ Introduction

During the medieval period, towns developed as centres of trade, craft production, and administration. Traders and craftspersons played an important role in the growth of towns and the economy.

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2️⃣ Types of Towns

Towns in medieval India were of different types:

• Administrative towns – centres of rule and governance (e.g., Delhi)
• Temple towns – grew around temples (e.g., Madurai)
• Trading towns – centres of trade and commerce (e.g., Surat)
• Port towns – linked India with overseas trade (e.g., Calicut)

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3️⃣ Administrative Towns

Administrative towns were important political centres.

• Capital cities of kingdoms
• Housed palaces, courts, and officials
• Examples: Delhi, Agra

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4️⃣ Temple Towns

Temple towns developed around large temples.

• Temples were centres of worship and economy
• People donated land and money to temples
• Temples supported priests, artists, and workers

Example: Madurai

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5️⃣ Trading Towns and Port Towns

Trading towns grew due to internal and overseas trade.

• Traders sold textiles, spices, metals, and precious stones
• Port towns connected India with Asia, Africa, and Europe
• Examples: Surat, Masulipatnam, Calicut

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6️⃣ Traders and Trade Guilds

Traders organised themselves into groups called guilds.

• Guilds protected the interests of traders
• They fixed prices and ensured quality
• They helped traders during travel

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7️⃣ Craftspersons

Craftspersons were skilled workers who made goods by hand.

• Weavers made cloth
• Goldsmiths made jewellery
• Carpenters and blacksmiths made tools

Crafts were often passed from one generation to another.

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8️⃣ Role of Markets

• Markets were centres of buying and selling
• Connected towns with villages
• Helped in economic growth

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9️⃣ Decline of Some Towns

• Change in trade routes
• Political instability
• Decline of royal support

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📌 Exam Tip:
Remember types of towns with examples. Write answers in points for better marks.

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