Prelims 2012 · Ancient History · Question 82
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?
- Every guild was registered with the central authority of the State and the king was the chief administrative authority on them.
- The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the guild.
- The guild had judicial powers over its own members.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Answer
2 and 3 only
1. Incorrect. Guilds (shrenis) were largely autonomous corporate bodies; they were not registered with a central state authority, nor was the king their chief administrative head. The state recognized them, but did not directly run them.
2. Correct. Guilds regulated their craft/trade by fixing wages, rules of work, quality standards and often prices for their members.
3. Correct. Guilds had internal judicial/disciplinary authority and could punish members for violating guild rules.
Hence, statements 2 and 3 only are correct.