About the Book
Industries in Ancient India (600 B.C. to 550 A.D.) is comparatively a recent field of study. In view of the changes brought about by the industrial revolution when we talk of the term industries it usually gives an image of large factories and mills and also in recent times agriculture, fishing, tourism etc. But in the context of ancient India the term connotes a different meaning, i.e. the bodies or agencies engaged in secondary production. The physical features and natural re-sources of India provided a large potential for industrial development in ancient times and consequently India became a pioneer of various arts and crafts and her industries became well developed. This study aims at dispelling the long standing notions that India had all along been primely an agricultural country and to prove that it has got no face value. In this monograph, geographical features, various types of industries, industrial organization and industrial labour have been fully dis-cussed. On the whole it reflects the flourishing condition of industries in ancient India.
About the Author
Dr. (smt.) Seema Kumari (b. 2. 01. 1970) took her graduation degree from M.D.D.M. College, Muzaffarpur in 1991 and Master degree in 1993 from L.N. Mithila University, Darbhanga securing first position in First Class. She did her Ph.D. from L.N.M.U. Darbhanga in 2000. At present she is a lecturer in History. S.C. Mahila College, Benipatti, Madhubani (Bihar).
Foreword
The early Indian society, despite the inherent negativities of the normative system, excelled in many areas of economic activities. This was a period marked by intense urbanisation, developed currency system, large-scale internal and external trade as well as numerous meaningful activities on the industrial front. That industries form the backbone of commercial activities is a common knowledge, but it has to be reiterated that the ancient Indian artisans and craftsmen were so skilled that the entire ancient world provided an easy access to the Indian merchants. A study of the industries and the industrial workers of ancient India is, therefore, a welcome addition to the economic historiography of this region. Dr. Seema Kumari's Industries in Ancient India (600 B.C. to A.D. 550) is decidedly an interesting monograph that seeks to analyse not only the technical aspects of industrial growth but also successfully relates it with the broader aspects of contemporary economy. Beginning with an analytical account of the primary sources, she goes on to construct the Geo-economics of the area. The discussion on industries is fairly comprehensive. In fact, it seeks to develop a chronological account of the various industries; this analytical framework will certainly succeed in providing the students of history an insight into the fluctuating fortunes of the industrial activities. This attempt is praiseworthy as this will also enlighten us on two fronts: (i) the changing nature of the contemporary economy and (ii) the changing requirements of the society. The discussion on industrial organisation and industrial labour updates our current knowledge of these themes. This monograph bears the stamp of hard labour, sound methodological acumen and mature historiographical awareness of Dr. Kumari. I am sure that the academic world will accord due recognition to this book.
Acknowledgement
True gratitude, affection, loving concern and sympathy are rare commodities whose value can never be expressed or acknowledged sufficiently in words. Words fall far short of the magnitude of the love and co-operation I have received from one and all concerned. First and foremost I extend my sincerest obeisance to the spring, the fountain, the source of inspiration for all my academic pursuits, my reverend father in-law Dr. Nilamber Chaudhary, M.L.C (Bihar) and affectionate loving and caring mother-in-law Smt. Sursari Devi without whose co-operation, this humble presentation of mine could have never hoped to see the light of Day. I am deeply indebted to Prof. Bishwambhar Jha, Head, P.G. Dept. of History, C.M College, Dharbhanga, for being kind enough to provide the relevant material and proper surveillance. I am also grateful to Prof. Vijay Kr. Thakur, Pro. V.C. B.R.A University Muzaffarpur, Prof. R. Mishra, Head, History, L.N.M.U. Dharbhanga, Dr. Amar Nath Jha, Head, English, L.N.M.U. Dharbhanga, for their valuable suggestions and encouragement at various stages. I would be failing the duty of a grateful child if I forget the blessings of my father Sri Umesh chandra Roy and mother Smt. Krishna Devi for providing me all possible emotional and other valuable help throughout the period of work.
Introduction
In view of the changes brought by the industrial revolution in our global perspective when we talk of the term industries it usually brings to our mind the images of large factories and mills and at present it has started to be applied even to the case of areas like agriculture, fishing, lumbering, tourism, mining etc. But in the context of ancient Indian history, the term connotes a different meaning. When we refer to Industries in ancient India, we clearly mean the bodies or agencies engaged in the secondary production. To make it more clear, the products we derive directly from nature such as timber, vegetable, ore are called primary products and when these products are processed and changed into secondary products, the producer of secondary products is what we call industry. For example cotton is a primary product while yarn and fabric obtained by processing cotton, are secondary products. Thus by industry we mean the agency of manufacturing or producing the secondary product by converting the raw materials into finished goods through various methods. When primary products or raw materials are processed their utility and value increase. For example, a gold ornament is more valuable than a piece of gold bar of the same weight. Thus when a primary product is invested with labour, it is called value added product. Obviously a country earns more if it brings secondary products in the market The ratio of primary and secondary product in a country's export is a fair indicator of that country's development and economic prosperity.
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