M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019

Ancient Socio-Economic Institutions

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which of the following inscription reveals information about Silk Weavers Guild?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Guilds (Shrenis) were central to the ancient Indian economy, often acting as autonomous professional bodies with their own laws, social status, and religious patronage.

Explanation The Dashpur (Mandsaur) Inscription of the 6th century records the history of a Silk Weavers' Guild. It details their migration from Lata (southern Gujarat) to Dashpur (Mandsaur, MP) and their collective donation to build a Sun temple.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The inscription shows the social mobility of artisans; while some remained weavers, others became astrologers, soldiers, or storytellers.
Logic 2: Prayag Prashasti (Option B): Focuses solely on the military conquests of Samudragupta.
Logic 3: Hathigumpha (Option D): Records the life of King Kharavela of Kalinga, not a guild's history.

Active Recall

Question

Where did the silk weavers' guild mentioned in the Dashpur inscription migrate from?

Answer

They migrated from the region of Lata, located in present-day southern Gujarat.

Core Insight

This record is crucial because it provides evidence of horizontal social mobility within the caste/guild system of the Gupta-Vardhana transition era.