UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 82 of 98
UPSC Prelims 2012 question on Ancient Indian Guilds Shreni
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2012
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectAncient History
- TopicConstruction of Ancient History
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeStatement
With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country’s economy, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Every guild was registered with the central authority of the State and the king was the chief administrative authority on them.
2. The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the guild.
3. The guild had judicial powers over its own members.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Show answer
Answer: C. 2 and 3 only
Verdict
Correct Answer: 2 and 3 only
Analysis
Guilds or Shrenis in ancient India were important economic organisations of traders, artisans and craftsmen.
They were largely autonomous and regulated their own internal affairs.
Statement by statement
1. Every guild was registered with the central authority of the State and the king was the chief administrative authority on them — Incorrect
Guilds were recognised by the State, but they were not directly administered by the king.
They were largely self-governing bodies headed by their own chiefs, such as Jetthaka or Pramukha.
2. The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the guild — Correct
Guilds functioned as self-regulatory economic bodies.
They fixed wages, work rules, product standards and prices to maintain quality and discipline among members.
3. The guild had judicial powers over its own members — Correct
Guilds could settle internal disputes among members.
They followed their own customary rules, often referred to as Shreni-dharma.
Extra UPSC info
* Shrenis were associations of merchants, artisans and craftsmen.
* They played an important role in trade, production and urban economy.
* Guilds could act like banks by accepting deposits and giving loans.
* Some guilds funded public works such as temples, tanks and rest houses.
* Nigama referred to a larger corporate body or association linked with trade and commerce.
* Do not confuse royal recognition with direct royal control.
How to crack it
Ancient Indian guilds were autonomous self-regulating bodies that fixed economic rules and settled internal disputes, but they were not directly administered by the king.