Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Kinship, Caste and Class

Question:

According to the Mandasor inscription, what did the guild members collectively decide to do with their wealth?

Options:

Invest in trade and commerce

Construct a temple for the sun god

Distribute it among the lower castes

Construct a temple for the Jaggannath god

Correct Answer:

Construct a temple for the sun god

Explanation:

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.