Turkish Rule in India: Changes in Technology and Economy

Turkish Rule as discussed by Harsh

The establishment of Turkish rule in India during the last decade of 12^th century AD, marked the beginning of new phase in Indian history because for many centuries hereafter India was ruled by Turko-Afghan rulers. This came to known as Delhi Sultanate. Turkish rule was started in India after the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan in the second battle of Tarrain, c. 1192 AD. Before that, their rule was limited to north-western parts of India. Turkish rulers brought number of changes in technology and economic activities as well.

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Changes brought by Turkish Rulers in Technology

New technologies were brought by Turks in India which not only gave boost to various industries and crafts but the economic progress was also witnessed. They brought Persian wheel known as Sakiya. It was used to pull water out of well as a result of which irrigation facilities witnessed a significant advancement and in-turn contributed to the progress in agriculture.

Indians were using Araghatta or Ghatiyantra (a big pot tied with a rope) and Dhenkali (a scoop work on lever principle) to pull water from well. These technologies were backward as compared to Sakiya. Textile industries got a boost. They bring spinning wheel while Indians using spindle. So, the use of spinning increased the productivity for more than six times. Turks also brought Persian cotton carder known as Naddaf.

Pit loom was also brought by Turks while Indians using treadle loom. In pit loom, a weaver could use hand and feet simultaneously which increased the productivity. The technique of book printing also introduced during this time in India. They used different colors for printing easily on clothes. They also bring paper manufacturing technique to India. Earlier the paper was being manufactured in western India but the quality was not good.

Most of the paper was imported from Arab world. The technology brought by Turks increased paper production significantly. With time, paper became so cheap that even a sweet seller was using paper for packaging. Book binding technology was also brought by Turks and it emerged as a new craft in India. Persian bow was started to manufacture in India. Gun powder was also come to India during this time.

During the time Delhi Sultanate, the gun powder was used only in Pyro technique (Aatishbazi), not for the military purposes. Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq was used to organize Aatishbazi during festivals and ceremonies. Magnetic compass known as Qutubnuma was also used for first time in India during 14^th century AD. The use of Magnetic compass made the overseas travel safe and secure.

Number of new civil engineering techniques were also introduced by Turks in India. Lime Mortar was used in manufacturing of buildings during Delhi Sultanate. Before this Indians were using mud mortar for building manufacturing. New architectural designs were emerged during period of Turkish rule as a result of techniques brought by them.

Impact on Economy

New technologies brought by Turks bring numerous changes in economy of India. New types of crafts were emerged during this age and existed crafts got a boost. The political unification carried out by Turks and uniform administration helped in growth of Trade and commerce. Monetization of economy also boosted as rulers like Iltutmish issued large number of coins.

The monetization of economy was result in growth of exchange network which was beneficial for trade and commerce. The changes brought by Turks in socio-culture aspect also helped in growth of economy because artisans and craftsmen were considered in Rajput society but they were treated well and encouraged for work during Turkish rule. They were seen in high esteem.

Because of the remarkable progress in economy new urban centres were emerged during Turkish rule. This emergence of urban centres was considered as the 3^rd Urban revolution during the 13^th century AD. The administration of these cities also supported the economic activities. The cities like Delhi, Lahore, Agra etc. were the prominent centres of this type.

Thus, the establishment of Turkish rule number of significant changes in the technology and economic activities as well.