Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c6.s2.t2.1

c6.s2.t2.1

A succession of favourable crops always left a disposable surplus of corn in the village which was usually carried to the neighbouring towns or transported to a *mandi* (or market-town) for distribution over the country. Industrial goods were usually made or manufactured expressly for sale in a suitable market. The aristocracy of Hindustan was always in want of such goods which could only be imported from abroad. The Sultan was always on the lookout to replenish his stock of horses by importing them from neighbouring countries. All these and other similar demands stimulated the exchange and transport of goods within and without the country. In fact, both inland and foreign trade had a very long and continuous tradition in India. The problem of carriage and transport was solved fairly well for the merchants and carriers of goods. For communication on land, there were a number of roads and pathways running all over the country which were kept in good condition by the State for its administrative requirements, especially for the movement of big armies with their heavy baggage trains. The traders were allowed to make use of all these facilities on land.