Artisans & Craftsmen
Realm 79: The Karkhanas, Silk Weavers, and the Master Forges
WORLD L — MEDIEVAL SOCIETY
MICRO-REALM 01
Artisan Status
- Often tied to rural Jajmani system.
- Urban artisans had more freedom.
- Low social prestige generally.
- High demand for skilled labor.
MICRO-REALM 02
The Karkhanas
- Imperial manufacturing workshops.
- Produced luxury & military goods.
- Forced labor (Begar) sometimes used.
- Ensured quality control for the court.
MICRO-REALM 03
Ustad & Shagird
- Master and Apprentice model.
- Hereditary transfer of skills.
- No formal technical schools.
- Kept trade secrets within families.
MICRO-REALM 04
Guild-like Systems
- Caste heavily dictated occupation.
- Panchayats regulated craft standards.
- Not identical to European guilds.
- Acted as social safety nets.
MICRO-REALM 05
Cotton Textiles
- India's largest industry.
- Calicos, Muslins, Chintz.
- Massive global export commodity.
- Bengal and Gujarat were hubs.
MICRO-REALM 06
Silk & Brocades
- Luxury textiles for the elite.
- Zari (gold/silver thread) work.
- Patola from Gujarat.
- Raw silk imported, locally woven.
MICRO-REALM 07
Dyeing & Indigo
- Nil (Indigo) highly prized globally.
- Bayana (Agra) produced the best.
- Complex vat-dyeing processes.
- Bandhani (tie-dye) flourished.
MICRO-REALM 08
Metallurgy & Weapons
- Wootz steel (Damascus).
- Swords, matchlocks, chainmail.
- Massive brass/bronze cannons.
- Advanced casting techniques.
MICRO-REALM 09
Jewelry & Enamel
- Minakari (enameling) from Persia.
- Kundan (gem setting in gold).
- Highly patronized by royals.
- Agra and Delhi were main centers.
MICRO-REALM 10
Localized Specialization
- Agra/Lahore: Carpets.
- Kashmir: Shawls.
- Coromandel: Painted cottons.
- Bengal: Fine muslins.