Q82.
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:
Answer
C
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: Guilds (Shreni) were NOT registered with the central authority with the king as chief administrator. They enjoyed considerable autonomy from the king. Statement 2 is correct: The guild council framed rules of work and fixed standards, wages, and prices. Statement 3 is correct: The guild had its own court with full jurisdiction over all members — any member who violated rules was tried by the guild court. The craft guild was headed by a chief called Elder Uyeshtaka and enjoyed considerable autonomy.