Several technological advancements and inventions took place in medieval period. Charkha (a domestic spinning wheel) was the key factor that facilitated the development of textile industry. It was in the fourteenth century that charkha began to be used in India. Indians adopted this technology from the Chinese. With the advent of charkha, the production of yarn in-creased by six times.
Weaving also advanced along with spinning. The invention of loom brought tremendous changes in weaving. The technology for the production of silk from silkworms also spread widely during that period. It was Bengal that pioneered the production of silk in the fourteenth century.
The production of carpet and paper were other major handicrafts prevalent then. There was great demand for Indian carpets in the foreign market. In India paper began to be used in the thirteenth century.
Metallurgy and mining were other industries that flourished in this period. Those who were engaged in metallurgy mostly produced agriculture tools and war equipment. The production of horseshoe, and iron stirrup made drastic changes in war technology. Copper and gems were mined from Rajasthan and Golkonda respectively. Salt production was another important occupation that thrived much in this period. Seashore, salt rocks, and salt lakes were the major sources of salt. West Punjab and Sambhar in Rajasthan were the chief salt-producing centers.
