Home > Indian History > History of India > Economic History of Early Medieval India
Economic History of Early Medieval India
Economic History of Early Medieval India talks about the flourishing agriculture that not only provided the whole range of foodstuffs, but was also devoted to the production of a number of commercial crops, notably cotton and indigo.

Share this Article:

Economic History of Early Medieval IndiaEconomic history of early medieval India is defined by the patterns of production, exchange and dispersion of the money. These patterns also illuminate the process of change within an economy, or provide a basis of comparison between contemporary economies. Economic history of early medieval India can be analysed through a thorough investigation of the recovered coin hoards permits a fairly coherent reconstruction of the monetary systems of that period. In spite of a clear lack of trustworthy statistical data strongly articulated perceptions of the nature of India`s early medieval economy have become widely propagated.

Some of the acknowledged elements of early medieval society, such as feudalisation, decentralisation, decline of trade and village self-sufficiency, have become virtual axioms of historic and economic texts. The keystone in this structure has been, and remains, the broadly-based perception of the under-monetisation of early medieval society and the relapse of its economy into the exchange of goods and services by barter. This model has been encouraged by the relative silence of Indian numismatists on the subject of post-classical, pre-Sultanate coinage. This contrasts sharply with the wealth of information and analysis on Mauryan, or Gupta, Sultanate or Mughal coinage. Economic historians, taking cues from the numismatic literature, have conjured up a dismal picture of money, and hence exchange, in the period AD 750-1200.

The decline of the ruling Pratihara Empire during the tenth century left a political void in which a number of former feudatories contested for supremacy. After a period of rapidly changing fortunes, the Chalukya line gained control of Gujarat and its extensive sea coast. Economic History of Early Medieval India From the late-tenth to the late-thirteenth century, this region enjoyed a sustained period of relative stability in the political sphere, which fostered dynamic economic activity. The vitality of the Gujarati economy in this period has been remarked by many writers. There was a surplus of the major agricultural products above and beyond local consumption requirements. The gentle contours of the landscape facilitated transportation by wheeled vehicles, and the ox-cart became the common means of moving bulk goods from upcountry to the sea ports. There were some local industries too, which used the country`s natural products as raw materials. Primary amongst these were textiles, tanning and metal fabrication.

Further, the economic history of early medieval India also states that the manufacturing, distribution and sale of the commercial products were conducted by an active commercial class. The Gujarati merchants became renowned for their business insightfulness. In addition to marketing their own products, they participated in a coastal sea trade with South India, and the ports of Gujarat became prominent transhipment points for the products of other regions. The hinterland kingdoms of Mewar and Malwa were dependent on Gujarat`s ports for their import and export trade, and more than one war was fought over their possession The Gujarati traders, prospering from their key position organized risk ventures for sea trade with the Persian Gulf and Southeast Asia. The greater proportion of Indian Ocean commerce would seem to have been in the hands of Arab merchants, who had sizeable communities settled in Gujarat`s coastal cities. This was made possible by the acceptance of the Chalukya kings, who extended their help to the Arab traders.

Moreover, anecdotal evidence testifies to a pervasive atmosphere of equity and fairness in commercial dealings in Gujarat. The different trades were organised into guilds, which formulated and enforced rules of behaviour for their members. The government ensured peace and public order; arranged the maintenance of roads; maintained the harbours and provided pilots; and generally supervised commerce. Monetary history ideally is both an evidential and interpretive source for the wider realm of the economic history. Certain types of hoard analysis and coin analysis offer greater resources for the monetary history.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.