Explanation: Tawarikh refers to historical chronicles that were written in medieval India. These chronicles were detailed accounts of historical events, often commissioned by rulers or written by scholars to document the political, social, and cultural history of the time. The authors of these chronicles, known as Tawarikh authors, were primarily based in urban centers, particularly in cities like Delhi.
The concentration of Tawarikh authors in urban centers like Delhi was due to several factors. Firstly, urban centers provided the necessary resources and infrastructure for scholarly activities. Libraries, manuscript collections, and other scholarly resources were more readily available in cities. Secondly, urban centers were often centers of political power, where rulers and nobles could provide patronage to scholars. This patronage was crucial for the survival and support of scholars, as it provided them with the means to continue their work. Lastly, urban centers had a more vibrant scholarly network, where scholars could exchange ideas, collaborate, and gain recognition for their work.
In contrast, rural areas lacked the necessary infrastructure and support for such scholarly pursuits. Libraries and manuscript collections were scarce, and the patronage of rulers and nobles was less available. Additionally, the rural lifestyle was more focused on agriculture and subsistence, leaving little time or resources for scholarly activities. Therefore, Tawarikh authors hardly ever lived in villages.
It is important to note that while temples were significant centers of learning and patronage in medieval India, Tawarikh authors were not primarily based in temples. Temples were more associated with religious and spiritual learning, whereas Tawarikh authors were more focused on historical and political documentation. Thus, the correct answer is that Tawarikh authors mainly lived in cities, particularly in urban centers like Delhi, and hardly ever in villages.