Question

Why do you think towns grew around temples?

Answer 1

Instructions:

This answer should include how kings built the temples and gave donations for elaborate rituals, and pilgrim feed. Furthermore, many artisans, workers came and settled near the temples giving rise to temple towns. Give 1-2 examples of temple towns and towns near pilgrimage centres.

Solution:

• Temples have always been critical to the development of economy and society. In fact, kings used to build temples to exhibit their devotion for their deities. Not only that, but land grants were also bestowed by them to the temples thus constructed. Furthermore, money was donated for rituals, feeding pilgrims, and celebration of festivals in the temples.
• Gradually, people pursuing different occupations such as workers, artisans, traders, began to come and settle near these temples to cater to the needs of the local people. This led to beginning of temple towns.
• Thus, towns emerged near temples of, Somnath in Gujarat and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh and others. Similarly, pilgrimage centres also witnessed the development of townships. Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh is one such example.