The works of public utility in North India C 1200 AD to 1707 AD

Abstract

The present work is an attempt to understand the aspects of various public welfare works which were undertaken by the ruling class of medieval India. The time period under the present study, i.e., c.1200 A.D. to 1707 A.D., is generally considered the era of establishment, expansion, consolidation and the decline of different dynasties of Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal empire. The present study explores different dimensions of the buildings which were meant for the welfare of the travellers and the public at large. The gaps pertaining to social and cultural aspects of monuments such as sarais, kos-minars, stepwells, wells, educational and religious places, hospitals and free kitchens have been studied in this work, which was either neglected or found lesser space in previous studies. A particular focus has been paid to the usage of these structures by the public and the maintenance of these buildings by the ruling class. It is hoped that this study will provide new insights to understand the political, social and cultural history of medieval India. newline