Question

From the eighth century onwards, the Mandapika were places where villagers __________

A. performed religious rituals
B. held their marriages
C. brought their produce to sell
D. none of these

Answer 1

Hint:
Mandinka or Mandi refers to a market in a small town where nearby villagers bring their products to sell. This was an important place for internal trade. They usually had a mandala (later mandala), and nearby villagers sold their agricultural products to the mandala. They also set up a market street called Hatta (later hat), lined with shops.

Complete step by step solution:
Eighth century: Since the 8th century, several small towns have spread across the subcontinent. These may come from large villages. They usually had a Mandapika (or later Mandi, and the nearby villagers sold them the agricultural products they sold to them.

They also had a market street called Hatta hat with shops lined up behind them. It was usually built by Samantha or later Zamindari and they established a fortification. They levied taxes on these merchants, artisans, and commodities, and sometimes “donated” “rights” to collect these taxes to local temples.
 Since merchants must travel through many kingdoms and forests, they usually travel in caravans and form guilds (associations for certain tasks) to protect their interests. Manigramam and Nanadesi are two such guilds.

These guilds conducted extensive trade within the peninsula and with Southeast Asia and China. Bidar's craftsmen are famous for their copper and silver inlays, so they are called Bidri. The Panchal as or Vishwakarma community made up of goldsmiths, coppersmiths, blacksmiths, masons, and carpenters is essential for the construction of the temple.


Hence, the correct answer is option C.

Note:
 Since the 8th century, several small towns have been scattered across the subcontinent. These may come from large villages. They usually had a Mandapika (or Mandi later), and nearby villagers sold their produce to them. They also set up a market street called hatta (later hat), lined with shops.