Explain briefly the differences between town and country side in pre-colonial period.

Solution

Towns were often defined in opposition to rural areas.

(i) They came to represent specific forms of economic activities and cultures. In the countryside people subsisted by cultivating land, foraging in the forest, or rearing animals.

(ii) Towns by contrast were peopled with artisans, traders, administrators and rulers. Towns dominated over the rural population, thriving on the surplus and taxes derived from agriculture.

(iii) Towns and cities were often fortified by walls which symbolised their separation from the countryside. However, the separation between town and country was fluid.

(iv) Peasants travelled long distances on pilgrimage, passing through towns; they also flocked to towns during times of famine. Besides, there was a reverse flow of humans and goods from towns to villages.

(v) When towns were attacked, people often sought shelter in the countryside. Traders and pedlars took goods from the towns to sell in the villages, extending markets and creating new patterns of consumption.

Some More Questions From Colonialism And The Countryside Chapter

On an outline map of the subcontinent, mark out the areas described in this chapter. Find out whether there were other areas where the Permanent Settlement and the Ryotwari system were prevalent and plot these on the map as well.

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Colonialism And The Countryside

Explain briefly the differences between town and country side in pre-colonial period.

Some More Questions From Colonialism And The Countryside Chapter

In what way was the livelihood of the Paharias different from that of the Santhals?

How did the American Civil War affect the lives of ryots in India?

What are the problems of using official sources in writing about the history of peasants?

On an outline map of the subcontinent, mark out the areas described in this chapter. Find out whether there were other areas where the Permanent Settlement and the Ryotwari system were prevalent and plot these on the map as well.

Mention the revenue system introduced by the British in Bombay Deccan with one of its main characteristics.

Why was British introduce new systems of revenue?

Explain any two observations made by Buchanan that helped the English East India Company to expand its trade in India.

How did the British encourage the Santhals to settle in Rajmahal hills?

Explain briefly the importance of the Deccan Riots Report of 1878.

What is known as the Sunset Law?

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