Question

How did the towns develop around the iqta headquarters.

Answer 1

With the coming of the Mughals, towns started developing, with Delhi as the administrative centre. Iqta headquarters first emerged as camp sites, which later grew in size and magnitude. The nobility preferred to stay at the iqta headquarters along with their cavalry. Following are some reasons behind the development of towns around the iqta headquarters:

(1) Trade needs: Being the administrative centre, the iqtas also became important centres for trade. This led to the increase of settlers in and around the iqtas. The growing population not only provided all the basic services to the iqtas but also helped its trade to thrive.

(2) Cultural needs: The Persian rulers and nobility wanted leisure and comfort of a different style, such as Persian songs and silk to wear. This encouraged immigration from Islamic cultural areas to these places. Further, they gave patronage to several Indian artisans who gradually shifted to areas near the iqta headquarters to provide better services to the nobility.