According to the Mandasor inscription, what did the guild members collectively decide to do with their wealth? |
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 |
Construct a temple for the sun god |
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." |