Vital Villages and Thriving Towns

Introduction

Villages and towns are an essential part of the history of any place. The common image of a village that is formed in the minds of the people is that of a house made of mud and clay with thatched roofs. There is also the notion that villages and small towns do not have proper development. Here, we will explore the importance and role of villages and towns in nation-building. 

Archaeologists have found that the villages and towns of the past were extremely well-planned and strategically constructed. It is crucial to know about the scenario of the past to evaluate the present system. 

Iron tools and Agriculture

The first utilisation of iron tools dates back to 3000 years ago. The increase in the usage of iron commenced 2500 years ago. Evidence suggests that most of the iron collections were in megalithic burials. People used iron to make tools such as axes and ploughshares to clear forests and boost agricultural production. Other iron tools included sicles, tongs, axes, and many others. 

Irrigation to Increase Production

After the invention of various tools, production started flourishing. The rise in agricultural output brought in the concept of irrigation. This period saw the rise of many present-day irrigation methods like canals, artificial lakes, wells and tanks. The use of irrigation methods resulted in flourishing villages and prosperous kingdoms. 

Who lived in these villages?

During this period, the people living in villages and towns across the southern and northern parts of the sub-continent can be generally classified into three sections:

• The Tamil area consisted of large landowners who were known as Vellelars, common ploughmen known as Uzhavars, and landless labourers known as Kadaisiyar and Adimai. They comprised the social life of the Southern villages
• The Northern area consisted of a village headman known as Grama Bhojaka, who had a hereditary position, independent farmers known as Grihapatis and field workers who were ordinary individuals known as Dasa Karmakara. The Grama Bhojakas owned the maximum amount of land. They helped the king collect taxes and looked after the law and order of the village. The Grihapatis were small landowners whereas the Dasa Karmarkaras did not own any land and worked in others’ fields to earn money. Such was the social life of the northern villages
• Many artisans, weavers, blacksmiths, and potters lived in the villages

Finding Out About Cities:

• The ordinary people composed stories like the Jatakas, which revealed many people’s lifestyles and morals in ancient times. The Buddhist monks preserved the Jatakas. These stories typically gave moral messages to the readers. The other evidence that depicts the lifestyle of ancient times are statues and sculptures
• Many carvings in the pillars of monuments also depict the life of ancient times
• Many cities served as the capitals of Mahajanapadas and consisted of fortified walls
• Ring wells consisting of pots or ceramic rings are said to be the evidence of toilets, drains, and garbage dumps in houses
• Sailors and travellers who visited during this period also revealed information about the villages, cities and the people living there

Coins: Coins reveal a lot of information about the financial conditions during ancient times. The earliest coins were punch-marked since they were not inscribed but stamped with punches. People used them for approximately 500 years. 

Cities with many functions: Ancient towns were the most vital locations. The best example of this is Mathura. It was one of the most critical locations for 2500 years due to its geographical location and sculpture. Mathura was located at the northwest, to the east and north to south crossroads, between trade and travel. There were several fortifications and shrines around the city. Mathura also became the second capital of Kushanas around 2000 years ago. Mathura was the centre of religious practises like Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. The city consists of inscriptions that depict the kings, queens, artisans, and many other people of olden times. 

Crafts: Evidence suggests that arts and crafts were quite popular in the towns. There is evidence of outstanding pottery which is known as Northern Black Polished Ware. The writings of this period also indicate that the cloth trade was significant. There were famous cloth centres in cities like Varanasi and Madurai. The craftsmen made associations known as Shrenis. The role of Shrenis was to conduct the entire cloth-making and distribution process, including providing training and acquisition of raw material. Shrenis also worked in banks that collected money to use in religious monasteries or to pay back interests. 

Arikamedu: Arikamedu, located in Puducherry, was a coastal settlement between 2200-1900. Archaeologists found a vast brick warehouse structure, indicating that it acted as a harbour. Other discoveries include pottery like amphorae and Arretine Ware from the Mediterranean area and local pottery containing Roman designs. There were also other artefacts with Roman influence such as lamps, glassware, and gems. Archaeologists have also found small tanks that are assumed to be dyeing vats used for dyeing cloth. There is also plenty of evidence of making beads.

Elsewhere: Rome is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It came up during the same time as the Ganga valley cities. Rome was the capital of one of the vastest regions ranging from Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. Augustus was one of the most important rulers of Rome. He subsequently followed the previous rulers and built temples, amphitheatres, and open arenas. Rome also had massive aqueducts that were constructed to supply water.