Question

Why do you think towns grew around temples?

Answer 1

Towns grew around temples because the temple towns represented a significant pattern of urbanisation. Temples were considered central to the economy and society. The rulers constructed these temples to demonstrate their devotion to various deities. They also endowed temples with grants of land and money to elaborate rituals, feed pilgrims and priests and celebrate festivals. Therefore, many priests, workers, artisans, traders, etc., settled near the temple to cater to its needs and those of the pilgrims and led to the formation of the temple towns. Some examples of temple towns in India include Kanchipuram and Madurai in Tamil Nadu and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.