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Economic Conditions
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well organized under their respective chiefs called Pamukha or Jetthaka, an officer who was something like an alderman or a president. Among such craft-guild chiefs, the names of Baddhakijeţthaka?, Malakārajetthaka”, and Kumārajetthakal are important. These chiefs might be important Ministers in attendance upon and in favour with the king. In the Suchi Jataka,4 there is a description of Kumārajetthaka, a favourite of the king's.
There were also merchant-guilds under the chiefs called Setthis. Because of wealth, they got special status in society. They visited the royal court as representatives of the business community. One such chief was Anāthapiņdika, who was the Mahā setthi, the president of a commercial federation, with numerous Anuseţthis under him. Different guilds also federated under a common president, called Bhāndāgārika, to check their internal disunion. Such a Bhāndāgārika was acting in the city of Banaras. He was expected to be conversant with the affairs of trade and business and with the working of the guilds.
These guilds were gradually converted into hereditary castes on the basis of occupation. In ordinary times, the sons pursued their paternal occupation. Besides, these guilds became localized in particular areas. They gave impetus to specialization and efficiency of labour. Villages inhabited almost exclusively by one type of craftsmen came into existence. There are references to the villages of smiths, potters, carpenters, saltmakers, etc. Even in towns, there was provision for separate quarters and suburbs for the members of cach guild.
The guilds were autonomous bodies having their own laws. The corporate existence of the guild was recognized by the state. Guilds cxcrcised considerable control over the
1. Ār. Ghi, IV. 161; IV, 332, 2. Ibid, III. 405. 3. Ibid, III. 281. 4. Ibid. 5. Ibid, I. 93; Jå. \', 357. 6. Ibid, IV, 43; II. 12.52. 7. Ja, III.281.
