The establishment of large number of urban settlements in North India in the thirteenth century was principally owing to the deployment of Turkish garrisons across the lands. Comment.

Answer:

The establishment of Turkish rule in North India in the 13th century contributed to the growth of many urban settlements. The deployment of Turkish garrisons was an important factor, but urbanisation also depended on administration, revenue extraction, trade, craft production and migration of soldiers, officials and artisans.

Role of Turkish Garrisons

• The Delhi Sultanate placed military garrisons in strategic towns to control conquered territories.
• These garrisons required supplies, markets, artisans, transport workers and revenue officials.
• Military camps often developed into administrative and commercial centres.
• Towns such as Delhi, Lahore, Badaun, Multan and other centres gained importance in this process.

Other Causes of Urban Growth

• Iqta administration required revenue offices, officials and local markets.
• Demand from the ruling elite stimulated crafts, textiles, metalwork, arms and luxury goods.
• Trade routes connecting north India, Central Asia and the Deccan strengthened commercial activity.
• Migration of Persianate scholars, soldiers, artisans and merchants enriched urban culture.

Therefore, Turkish garrisons were a major stimulus to urban settlements, but not the sole cause. Thirteenth-century urbanisation was the result of military control, administrative concentration, revenue flow, craft demand and commercial networks under the Delhi Sultanate.