Introduction to Villages and Towns in Ancient India

• Around 2,500 years ago, India saw major developments in villages and towns.
• People started using iron tools, which improved agriculture, crafts, and trade.
• Some villages grew into towns, becoming centers of trade and administration.
• These changes helped in the growth of civilization and economic progress.

Agriculture and Farming Innovations

• Farming became the main occupation in villages.
• Farmers grew a variety of crops like wheat, rice, barley, pulses, and sugarcane.
• New techniques helped in increasing food production.

Major Farming Innovations

• Iron ploughs → Made farming easier and more efficient.
• Irrigation systems → Wells, canals, and reservoirs improved water supply.
• Crop rotation → Helped maintain soil fertility.

The Role of Iron Tools in Farming and Crafts

• Iron tools replaced stone and wooden tools, making work easier.
• Iron tools were used for cutting trees, ploughing fields, and making weapons.

Important Iron Tools

Types of People in Villages – Farmers, Craftsmen, and Traders

Villages had different groups of people based on their occupations.

1. Farmers

• Grew crops like wheat, rice, and sugarcane.
• Used iron ploughs and irrigation systems.
• Paid taxes in crops to kings and landlords.

2. Craftsmen

• Made pottery, tools, jewelry, and clothes.
• Some were blacksmiths, weavers, carpenters, and goldsmiths.

3. Traders and Merchants

• Traded grains, spices, textiles, and metals.
• Used bullock carts and boats for transport.

Emerging Towns and Their Importance

• Some villages grew into towns, which became centers of trade and administration.
• These towns had markets, temples, and government buildings.
• Some towns were ports for sea trade, while others were known for crafts and industries.

Famous Towns in Ancient India

Markets and Trade – Local and International Commerce

• Markets were important for buying and selling goods.
• Traders sold spices, grains, clothes, metal tools, and jewelry.
• Caravans and ships were used for long-distance trade.

International Trade

• Traded with Rome, China, and Mesopotamia.
• Exported cotton, spices, ivory, and pearls.
• Imported gold, silver, and silk.

Coins and Money – The Beginning of Currency

• Earlier, people bartered goods (exchanged one item for another).
• Later, coins were introduced for trade.
• The first coins were called punch-marked coins (made of silver or copper).

Why Were Coins Important?

Made trade easier.

Helped in fixing prices.

Were accepted across kingdoms.

Administration and Rulers of Villages and Towns

• Villages had gramapatis (village heads) who collected taxes and solved disputes.
• Kings appointed officers to manage towns and markets.
• Some towns had local assemblies to make decisions.

Taxes in Villages and Towns

• Farmers paid taxes in crops.
• Merchants paid taxes in coins.
• Craftsmen gave free services or goods as tax.

Conclusion

• Iron tools and irrigation improved farming, leading to surplus food.
• Craftsmen and traders helped towns grow into commercial centers.
• Markets and trade (local and international) boosted the economy.
• Coins replaced the barter system, making trade easier.
• Villages and towns had organized administration and tax collection.
• Some towns became centers of power, trade, and culture.