Vol. 3, Issue 3, Part I (2017)

Abstract
This paper attempts to analyze development of towns, market centers and trading networks in medieval Assam. It studies the establishment towns and small markets by the monarchs in various parts of the kingdom. The monarchs built their capital towns in such places which were excellent from the point of protection and security. These were humming with activities during the period of being the seats of royal residences. The capitals assumed political importance for a certain period and relapsed into their original rural status as soon they had ceased to be royal seats. The towns and small markets naturally pulled the attention various professional groups such builders, artisans, craftsmen, manufacturers, traders and many others, who come into touch of new economic opportunities and prospects. There were many places which acquired prominence owing to their strategic locations, trade and commerce, religious and political activities. The frontier outposts enabled to carry commercial transaction with mountainous tribes and Bengal. Many gateways and toll gates were built in order to raise taxes of imports and exports and to check the activities of people for the purpose protection as well as these constituted the security of the kingdom from the invasion of the outsiders.