________________
SOME ASPECTS OF TRADE IN JAINA LITERATURE
Inter-state Trade Centres
According to samaraichchkaha--Varat, Susharmnagar, Amarpur, Shreepur, Shavtika, Shreevasti, Makandi, Ujjayani, were the different centres of trade.18 Dr N.C. Vandophadhya also mentions Shreevasti and Ujjayani1 as a centre of inter-state trade.
Caravan Trade
89
The merchants who participated in the inter-state trade generally travelled in groups, and these groups were known as Sarth (Caravan). The Caravans were regarded as safe protection against the robbers, wild beasts and demons. From Kuvalayamala20 It is known how the Caravan leader took with him a large number of soldiers well equipped with arms and weapons in order to ensure safety to goods and people from the danger of dacoits. In Brahat Kathakosh we read of a merchant and Caravan leader, approaching the king of another state and offering valuable presents in order to secure his permission to do business."1 Merchants had very much fear for robbers. In contemporary Jain literature we often read of the merchants and their Caravans being attacked by forest tribes22 and some times by feudal chiefs who molested and plundered traders on the high ways.23 Lakshman the founder of Chauhan dynasty of Nadol, often indulged in such activities.24 The Vamanpuran inform us that a Vaishya of Shakla on his journey to Saurashtra, was robbed in Rajasthan desert.25
Foreign Trade
Jain literature is full of such references which shows that there must have been frequent voyages of Indian
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
