Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c6.s1.46

c6.s1.46

Among home industries, the most important were those of the weaving and spinning of cotton. The various processes of weaving and spinning were the same as are employed in Indian villages to-day.⁵ The finished piece of cloth was sold by the piece and even by weight for cash payment or in return for other goods. Other minor industries included cap-making, shoe-making and the making of arms of all kinds, especially bows and arrows. The better class of bow-makers used silk for bow-strings, cane for the arrows and steel for arrow-heads. The blacksmiths had a fairly busy time. The process of smelting iron-ore was widely understood by blacksmiths. Besides various agricultural implements and arms of iron, locks, keys, and razors were articles of common use in Indian homes.⁶ Goldsmiths and silversmiths had attained even greater skill in their work, to which reference will be made later. *Jarau* or inlay work had become very popular and all classes of women, rich and poor, were fond of using ornaments with inlay-work.⁷