Madhyakalin Bharat Ka Arthik Itihas

This book is written with reference to the latest source material. The author has skillfully integrated reference texts to make the narrative understandable to both experts and lay readers. The book highlights the crisis in agriculture created by the Mughals new taxation system. The author believes that despite this crisis, the traditions of spinning and weaving remained intact in rural households. However, the long-term consequences of Mughal policies were that agriculture and crafts began to be seen as two separate occupations. At the end of the chapter, the author dispels long-standing misconceptions by presenting traditional crafts as independent professions. A detailed account of craft production is provided. The inclusion of the revenue history of South India makes this book comprehensive. The fifth chapter discusses the medieval taxation system, urban production, coin types, and circulation. It deals with systems of weights and measures, wages, and the increasing pressure of foreign capital on producers in medieval India. Using tables and figures, the author illustrates the growing challenges facing trade and business. It is hoped that this work will be enjoyed by discerning readers and those preparing for competitive examinations alike. Lalit Joshi, Professor, Department of History