Perceptions of urbanity, urbanization and town life in medieval India: Insights from Banarasidas’s Ardhakathanak
Author(s): Naincy Rana
Abstract: This paper examines the perceptions of urbanity, urbanization, and town life in medieval and early modern India, focusing on
Ardhakathanak (a half story), a 17th-century autobiographical account of a trader named Banarasidas. The study delves into the urbanization processes during the Mughal period, exploring how cities, towns, and
qasbas functioned as economic, social, and cultural centers. By analyzing
Ardhakathanak, this paper seeks to understand the lived experiences of urban dwellers, particularly traders, and how they navigated the complexities of urban life, trade networks, and their interactions with Mughal authorities. Thus, Banarasidas’ narrative, therefore, offers a rare bottom-up perspective on urban life during the Mughal period.
DOI: 10.22271/27069109.2024.v6.i2d.319Pages: 250-254 | Views: 240 | Downloads: 92Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Naincy Rana.
Perceptions of urbanity, urbanization and town life in medieval India: Insights from Banarasidas’s Ardhakathanak. Int J Hist 2024;6(2):250-254. DOI:
10.22271/27069109.2024.v6.i2d.319