In ancient times, kings and ruling elites preferred to reside in fortified cities. Unlike the Harappan cities, extensive excavations at these sites are challenging due to their continuous occupation through the present. Nevertheless, various artifacts have been unearthed, providing insights into the lives of the ancient inhabitants. These findings include exquisite pottery bowls and dishes known as Northern Black Polished Ware, which were possibly used by wealthy individuals. Additionally, diverse artifacts made from materials like gold, silver, copper, bronze, ivory, glass, shell, and terracotta have been discovered.

By the second century BCE, short votive inscriptions began to appear in several cities. These inscriptions often mention the names of donors, and sometimes their occupations as well. They offer valuable information about the diverse population that resided in these urban centers, including washing folk, weavers, scribes, carpenters, potters, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, officials, religious teachers, merchants, and kings. Furthermore, some inscriptions mention guilds or shrenis, organizations comprising craft producers and merchants. These guilds likely played a crucial role in procuring raw materials, regulating production, and marketing the finished products. It is probable that craftspersons employed a range of iron tools to meet the increasing demands of the urban elites.

Which organization of craft producers and merchants is sometimes mentioned in these inscriptions?

A) Rajas
B) Mahajanapadas
C) Guilds or shrenis
D) Scribes

Choose the correct answer from the given options:

C

By the second century BCE, short votive inscriptions began to appear in several cities. These inscriptions often mention the names of donors, and sometimes their occupations as well. They offer valuable information about the diverse population that resided in these urban centers, including washing folk, weavers, scribes, carpenters, potters, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, officials, religious teachers, merchants, and kings. Furthermore, some inscriptions mention guilds or shrenis, organizations comprising craft producers and merchants. These guilds likely played a crucial role in procuring raw materials, regulating production, and marketing the finished products. It is probable that craftspersons employed a range of iron tools to meet the increasing demands of the urban elites.