Lahore as a Centre of Commerce: 1580–1707

The Mughal Era witnessed a ceaseless movement of people, money and resources, which paved the way for a strong interaction between different provinces of that time. The desire to oversee a solid political domain by the Mughals brought forth a progression of urban focuses in various parts of the realm for their productive control. Urban Centres performed a distinctive sort of function by becoming either administrative, commercial or religious centres. Among these, Lahore was one which gloated the economy of Mughal Empire through its inland and overseas exchange. In the present article, an attempt has been made to assess the geographical location of Lahore, with its water and land transport facilities as a supporting factor for trade and to know the commodities of which there was a great demand, both inside and outside of the Mughal Empire. This article highlights the attributes of power in Mughal India; the interdependence of trade and politics; the impact on other towns of Lahore suba as well as on other subas of empire also. Furthermore, to examine the overall commerce of Lahore Suba (reflected from travelogues) is the part of paper.