History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c39.s2.t3.5

v1.c39.s2.t3.5

We propose that the emergence of the new technologies and the Iron Age was one amongst many factors underlying second urbanization. Besides, this was a cyclic relationship, urbanization further promoting iron technology. Was there a deeper cause promoting both? Ghosh accorded priority to the social need/political demand for surplus rather than the capacity to produce the surplus as a result of technological innovations (Ghosh, 1973). His argument was in favour of the greater role of a ‘power structure’ without which a surplus could not appear the moment it is asked for (Chakravarti, 1991, pp. 305-350). The megalithic culture in the Peninsular India produced iron and agricultural surplus, and yet no urban tradition.