________________
Economic conditions
211
Irrigatian : Irrigable fields are called kaidārya (XV.51). Artificial reservoirs to water the earth are referred to which are called kulyā. In Prakrit, they are called kollā. According to Puşkarākşagaņi, kulyā is an artificial channel (Ku. III.46). Drainage for irrigation is called Aläbu (Ku. 1.46). Those who operate on wells are called Ākhas (XIII.33).
Plough: Ploughmen are called Hālikas or Sairakas (XVI.80). Samba is a particular type of plough (XIX.36).
Occupations In the Dvyāśrayakāvya, we find the reference of guilds of artists belonging to the same category (Sajātīyaśilpisangha, XI. 24). Main occupations are as follows:
1. Vaņik : They appear to be rich men whose occupation is to lend money and recollect it on the harvest of the crops. He is called Dhānyamāya because he measures the corn when collected (XI.43). Some of the Vaņiks went out for business irrespective of the management of the house (III.25). Vaņiks are also referred to as shopkeepers selling their merchandises on the road-side (IlI. 130).
2, Mahājanika : They are usually the respectable and the rich men of the city so they are called Mahājanikas. According to Puşkarākṣagaội, this category consists of business. men (Śreșthin) and ship-owners (Sārthavāha, Ku. VI.34)
3. Lauhaprastarika : They are dealer in iron (XVII.45).
4. Vidyābhịtya: Their main pursuit is teaching (XIII.8). According to Abhayatilakagaại, they are called Mahāyājñikas or Yajñopadhyāya or Samajya because their duty is the performance of the sacrifices for others (XIII.8). Some of the priests whose occupation is to read Sūktas only are referred to in the poem (XV.1.3).
5. Artists : (IX.89). Some of them are painters who
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org