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MEDIEVAL JAINISM: CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT
4.
Skill in Weights and Measures (Kusalattanam ca manappamanesu)
The two terms—Kusalattanam ca manappamanesu mean that it is very necessary to have skill in judging the goods. Only a skilful merchant can judge the worth of worthlessness of various goods. Profits can be earned only when a merchant purchases pure goods. Dhandeva's father hinted that it is very difficult to judge the quality of goods unless one has sufficient proficiency in it.--Duppariyallam bhandam (65.15).
5. Alchemy (Dhauvvoo)
The art of making artificial gold from metals by various chemicals was also a source of earning money. In the eighth century Dhatuvada was current and had been developed as an art. Uddyotanasuri has given a detailed description of Dhatuvada in his work, being practised in a secluded part of the Vindhya forest (p. 95). It is said that the assembled dhatuvadins or alchemists (Kemiyagara) were failing in their attempt. Prince Kuvalayachandra tried his own knowledge and succeeded in the making of gold. It appears that one of the epithets of the Dhatuvadins was Narendra, meaning a master of charms or anecdotes. The word is also used in this sense in Classical Sanskrit literature. Dhatuvada is also called Narendra-Kala. (197-16).11
6. Worship of the Deity (Devayaradhan)
While going on a journey to earn money, many ceremonials were performed. The favourable deities were worshiped. Worship of different means were considered auspicious for different means of earning
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