How temple towns are formed?
Temple towns represented a very important pattern of urbanisation. Temples were often central to the economy and society. Steps to formation of a temple town are given below:
- Rulers built temples to demonstrate their power and devotion to various deities. Grants of land and money were given to the temples to carry out elaborate rituals, feed pilgrims etc.
- Temple authorities would use their wealth to finance trade and banking.
- Gradually a large number of priests, workers, artisans, traders, etc. would settle near the temple to cater to its needs and those of the pilgrims.
- Thus grew temple towns.
- Example: Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh and Somnath in Gujarat.