Several profound transformations were noticed in the areas where agriculture became more commercialized. i.e. where crops were being grown primarily for sale in the market. These included:

1. An increase in the use of agricultural labour as cultivation became more intensive.
2. A shift from payment in kind(grain) to payment in cash.
3. A loosening of traditional bonds or hereditary relationships between farmers or landowners and agricultural workers.
4. The rise of a class of 'free' wage labourers.
   Such transformations were regarded by some scholars as indicative of a transition to capitalist agriculture. As cultivation became more commercialized these rural areas were also becoming integrated into the wider economy.