[Solved] Silk Weavers Guild: Dashpur Inscription Record

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

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

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

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

Authentic Source Evidence

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.

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"From which region did the silk weavers of Dashpur migrate?"

Lata (modern-day Gujarat).

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

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

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Shreni 2