Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c6.s2.t2.27

c6.s2.t2.27

It is not possible to form any accurate or even tentative estimate of the volume of internal trade of Hindustan. The villages together with their *mandis* were probably areas of comparatively brisk exchanges of commodities under ordinary peaceful conditions. We may say with confidence that Delhi and other provincial capitals were the focus of the internal trade of their respective territories and displayed considerable commercial activity. As a whole, the volume of internal trade was large except when thwarted by the monopoly of the State or rigid administrative control.¹ Various references are made to individual fortunes amassed through commercial enterprise by many business men. How far such estimtes reflect upon the currents of the internal trade or its volume is extremely uncertain.²