Class 7th History NCERT Chapter 6

Based on the content of the chapter from the document, here are the important topics that students should study along with a brief summary for each:

1. Temple Towns and Pilgrimage Centres:

– Temples were central to the economy and society in ancient towns. Rulers built temples to show devotion to deities and endowed them with grants for rituals and festivals. Pilgrims visiting temples made donations.

2. Bronze, Bell Metal, and the "Lost Wax" Technique:

– Chola bronze statues were made using the "lost wax" technique. This involved creating a wax image covered with clay, draining out the wax, pouring in molten metal, and finally revealing the bronze statue after the metal cooled and the clay was removed.

3. Network of Small Towns:

– Small towns emerged from large villages and had markets and artisan areas. Traders brought local and distant products for exchange in these towns, fostering trade networks and economic activities.

4. Taxes on Markets:

– Temple authorities and local rulers collected various taxes on goods like sugar, cloth, coconuts, metal goods, etc. Taxes were collected in kind or cash and were recorded in inscriptions. The collection of market taxes has evolved into present-day systems.

5. Traders Big and Small:

– Different trader communities like Banjaras, Chettiars, Marwari Oswal, and Gujarati traders played significant roles in trade networks. Guilds and associations were formed for protection and negotiation, facilitating trade within the subcontinent and beyond to regions like Southeast Asia and China.

These topics cover the essence of the chapter on "Towns, Traders, and Craftspersons" for students to study and understand the historical significance of urban centers, trade relations, and economic structures in ancient India.