Who was 'sovanika' in ancient India?

Goldsmith

This is an image that was installed in Mathura. On its pedestal is a Prakrit inscription. It mentions that a woman named Nagapiya, who was the wife of a goldsmith also referred to as 'sovanika' named Dharmaka installed the image in a shrine.

A multitude of travelers journeyed along these routes. Peddlers, likely traveling on foot, and merchants, who traveled in caravans accompanied by bullock carts and pack-animals, were among them. Additionally, brave seafarers took on risky yet highly lucrative ventures. Successful merchants, known as "masattuvan" in Tamil and "setthis" and "satthavahas" in Prakrit, had the potential to accumulate immense wealth. A vast array of goods was transported across these routes, including commodities like salt, grain, cloth, metal ores, finished products, stone, timber, and medicinal plants. Among the highly sought-after goods were spices, especially pepper, textiles, and medicinal plants, which found great demand in the Roman Empire. These goods were transported across the Arabian Sea to reach the Mediterranean.