History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c39.s2.t3.6

v1.c39.s2.t3.6

Following the leads provided by Childe, Sharma and Ghosh, we may try to go deeper into this problem. What causes the emergence of a ‘power structure’ articulating ‘socio-political needs’? Basically it is a psychological drive-against complacency and for consolidation of existing resources and distribution mechanism by centralisation; it is also promoted by an expansionist urge to meet shortage of resources by trade or conquest, and even cultural expansionism viz. to propagate one brand of religion or culture. This urge could be articulated in the ancient world as physical/social/political ‘needs’ only when there was an opportunity, when there were trade contacts with the neighbouring states. This reality of psycho-physical situation promoted in the ancient world - and still promotes in the modern world - urbanization and breakthroughs in new science and technology simultaneously. Ultimately, urbanization and technology activate each other in a cyclic fashion, Chakravarti pointed out (Chakravarty, 1991, pp. 305-350) that urbanization also meant new ideas and a revolt against tradition and conservatism.