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

Ancient Economic History

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

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

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Guilds (Shrenis) were powerful economic and social units in ancient India, often participating in large-scale religious philanthropy and migration.

Explanation The Dashpur (Mandsaur) inscription of Yashodharman/Kumara Gupta records the history of a guild of silk weavers who migrated from the Lata region (Gujarat) to Dashpur. It details their professional expertise and how they collectively funded the construction of a temple to the Sun God in 437 CE.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: This is the most famous epigraphic source for studying the social mobility and internal structure of ancient artisan guilds.
Logic 2: It proves that guilds were not just economic entities but also cultural and religious patrons.

Active Recall

Question

From which region did the silk weavers of Dashpur migrate?

Answer

Lata (modern-day Gujarat).

Core Insight

The Dashpur record highlights the flexibility of ancient guilds, where members could take up diverse professions while maintaining their communal identity.