What does the stone inscription found in Mandasor (Madhya Pradesh) record?
1) The history of a guild of silk weavers
2) The origin of Dashapura as a kingdom
3) The greatness of the local king
4) The migration of Brahmanas from Gujarat

Choose the correct answer from the given options:

1

In ancient texts, the term "jati" is used to describe social categories, which adds to the complexities observed in the society. Unlike "varna," which is limited to four fixed categories, "jati" allows for an unlimited number of social groups. Whenever the Brahmanical authorities encountered new groups or wanted to categorize occupational communities that did not easily fit into the fourfold varna system, they classified them as a "jati." Groups sharing a common occupation or profession were often organized into guilds or "shrenis."

While historical records about these groups are scarce, there are exceptional cases. For instance, a stone inscription from the fifth century CE, discovered in Mandasor (Madhya Pradesh), recounts the history of a guild of silk weavers. They migrated from Lata (Gujarat) to Mandasor, previously known as Dashapura, in pursuit of settling in the kingdom of a renowned local king. This inscription offers valuable insights into the intricate social processes and the nature of guilds or "shrenis." The guild members shared a common craft specialization, but some also adopted different occupations. Furthermore, they collectively decided to utilize their wealth earned through their craft to construct a splendid temple dedicated to the sun god.