Question

Give reasons for the development of bead-making industry at Kodumanal.

Hint:

Build the answer as a four-part value chain: raw material, craft skill, transport link, and market demand. Explain how Kodumanal satisfied each part.

Answer 1

Step 1: Availability of raw materials. 
Kodumanal had access to semi-precious stones, which were essential for bead-making. 

Step 2: Skilled craftsmanship. 
Archaeological evidence suggests the presence of skilled artisans who specialized in bead-making techniques. 

Step 3: Trade connections. 
The location was connected to trade routes, allowing easy export of beads to coastal ports and foreign markets. 

Step 4: High demand. 
Beads were in great demand both in India and abroad, encouraging the growth of this industry. 

Step 5: Conclusion. 
Thus, availability of resources, skilled labour, and trade links led to the development of bead-making industry at Kodumanal. 

Answer 2

Concept:

• Explain the industry as a value chain: inputs, production skill, transport, and market demand.
• Kodumanal developed because all four parts of this chain were available in one connected centre.

Step 1: Identify the inputs.
The region had access to semi-precious stones and other raw materials needed for producing beads.

Step 2: Identify the production capacity.
Skilled craftspeople knew how to cut, drill, polish, and finish small stone beads. Archaeological remains show specialised craft activity at the site.

Step 3: Identify the transport advantage.
Kodumanal lay on important inland trade routes connecting resource areas with Tamil coastal ports. Finished beads could therefore move efficiently to wider markets.

Step 4: Identify the market incentive.
Strong demand for ornaments in local and overseas trade made specialised bead production profitable and encouraged the industry to grow.

Final Answer: Raw materials, skilled artisans, trade-route access, and strong demand led to the development of bead-making at Kodumanal.