Warfare and Migration
- Continuous warfare caused widespread suffering in early and medieval societies.
- Displacement and migration of people were common from 14th to 17th centuries.
- Bahmani conflicts were partly due to the influx of Turks, Afghans, and Persians into the Deccan.
- Vijayanagar region saw migration of Kannada and Telugu warriors and their groups into Tamil areas.
- Peasants, artisans, and toiling classes were also involved in these migrations.
2. Social Inequality
- A growing gap between rulers and masses was evident.
- Foreign travelers documented:
- Great wealth among kings, nobles, and officials in cities like Vijayanagar and Bijapur.
- Widespread poverty among common people.
- Existence of slavery.
3. Revenue and Taxation
- State revenue was mainly from taxing the people.
- Under the Sangama dynasty, expansion led to:
- Harsh tax collection methods.
- Peasant revolts – Notably in 1430 CE in Central Tamil Nadu.
- Revolt was caste-neutral and involved basic producers.
- Prince of Vijayanagar pacified them by reducing taxes.
4. Role of Nayakas
- Nayakas in the 16th century promoted:
- Craft production (e.g., weaving).
- Tax concessions to artisans for economic encouragement.
5. Economic Transition
- Until 13th century: Economy was agrarian.
- From 14th century: Shift to a more commercial economy.
- Rise of money economy and use of coined money.
6. Artisans and Urban Growth
- Artisans like weavers, smiths, masons gained importance.
- Known as Pattadai (workshop people) or Kasaya-vargam (cash tax-payers).
- Commercial/weaving centres emerged in:
- Northern Tamil Nadu
- Rayalaseema
- Coastal Andhra
7. Textile Trade and Foreign Interest
- Textiles became a key export.
- Attracted Portuguese and European traders from early 16th century.
