Guilds In Ancient India – History Notes – For W.B.C.S. Examination.

প্রাচীন ভারতে গিল্ডস সমবায়ীসঙ্ঘ – ইতিহাস নোট – WBCS পরীক্ষা।

The guilds beginning from 6^th B.C., gradually gained importance in economy. They became crucial factor in organisation of production. The vast major­ity of artisans joined guild, since it was difficult for them to compete as individual against the guilds. With increasing demand for particular commodities and the consequent necessity to raise their output some guilds began to employ hired labour and slaves.Continue Reading Guilds In Ancient India – History Notes – For W.B.C.S. Examination.

Leading guilds were those of potters, metal work­ers, carpenter etc. Their size can be gauged from the fact that one wealthy potter named Sadalaputta had owned five hundred potters shop. In addition he organised his own distribution and owned large num­ber of boats which took pottery from workshops to various parts on Ganges. With increase in trade and commerce the major guilds grew even larger.

Guild fixed rules of work and quality of finished product and its price to safeguard both the artisan and customer. The guilds also controlled ‘the prices of manu­factured articles and these either depended on quality of work or were calculated according to fixed scale.

Many guilds operated at local as well as on larger country level. Certain guilds were also involved in for­eign trade. ‘Ayyavdle’ a guild from South India oper­ated at longer long distance trade. ‘Manigramam’, an­other guild composed of multiple nationalities under took foreign trade.

The ‘Royal connection’ of the guild was also a significant factor which influenced the role played by guild in economy. Royalty had a financial interest in guild. Investment in commercial enterprise brought larger returns. Royalty thus had interest in ensuring well being of guild.

Another fact which emerges from inscription is that guild could act as banker, financer and trustee as well. Generally these functions were carried out by different category of merchants known as Sreshthin in North India and Chettyars in South India.

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