Commerce, Community and Culture: Understanding Banias in Medieval India through Ardhkathanak

Author(s)	Dr. Bhawna Sharma
Country	India
Abstract	The 16th-17th century Mughal India underwent various important changes in the economic sphere that not only elevated the trade and commercial activities throughout the subcontinent but also intensified the urbanization process and promoted the urban culture on large scale. In all those spheres, merchants held a very important position from socio economic point of view. One of the most important class of merchants was the Banias who actively participated in various business operations functioned during the period. In order to understand this section, the only contemporary source written by a commoner’s point of view is Ardhakathanak written by Banarsidas which not only gives us insight into the Commercial practices and culture of the Banias but also helps us to understand their relation with the state.
Keywords	Mughal India- sources- Ain-i-Akbari- Ardhakathanak- urbanization- urban culture- merchants- Banias- Trade and commerce- banking system- Socio-religious aspects.
Field	Sociology > Archaeology / History
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On	2026-02-10

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