Question

Compare and bring out the differences and similarities between a medieval and a modern town.

Answer 1

The differences and similarities between medieval and modern towns can be understood with the following points:

Medieval Towns

(1) People: The number of people who lived in these towns was very less. Majority of the people lived in villages.
(2) Self-sufficiency: People in these towns were mostly self-sufficient.
(3) Employment: Very few people were wage earners. They mostly had their own small businesses, or produced goods only for self-consumption.
(4) Trade: Trade played an important part in these towns, but the variety of goods produced and procured was not much.


Modern Towns

(1) People: Even today, a majority of people live in villages. However, the number of people who live in modern towns has increased considerably.
(2) Self-sufficiency: No one is self-sufficient these days. We depend upon the market for goods and services.
(3) Employment: The number of wage earners is comparatively higher today. People have their own private businesses, shops, etc. Many people are employed in other services; they work for a higher authority.
(4) Trade: Trading has reached new heights. A huge variety of goods are now produced, which are consumed domestically and are exported to other countries as well.