Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

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STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SÚTRA [Ch. V Classification of artisans
The Bhs provides a list of the following artisans as distinguished by their respective arts and crafts, viz. Weaver (tamtuvāyu), Potter (Kumbhakāra) & Blacksmith®. Ivory business (damtavānijja) was carried on by some people who got the supply of ivory products from the ivory workers. Wheel-wright (Rathakāra), Wood-cutter°, Cook (mahāṇasīnī), Barber (kāsā. vaga)a and others are also mentioned.
The reference to these artisans and other professional men gives an idea of various arts and crafts taken up by certain sections of the people as occupations to earn their livelihood, such as, weaving, dying and cleaning, mining and metallurgy, blacksmithy, ivory work, pottery, building industry, fuel industry, leather work, perfumery and toiletting, etc.
Weaving
The art of spinning and weaving was one of the most important professions in the economic life of the people, as it produced and supplied yarns, cloths of various qualities and screens which have already been discussed in connection with the topic 'Dresses' in the sixth section of the fourth chapter on 'Social Conditions'. Cloths were manufactured by this industry from cotton, wool, silk, dugulla bark, etc. in the weaver's workshop located in the towns and cities
It is stated that Lord Mahāvīra obtained his residence in one such weaver's workshop outside Nālandā to pass the rainy season during the second year of his asceticismo.
In connection with the holy teachings of the Master on the binding of karma-matter, given by way of an example, the Bhs presents an idea of the art of manufacturing cloth thus:--
As a cloth which is fresh from the loom
1 Bhs, 15, 1, 541. 3 16, 6, 1, 229; 16, 1, 564. 6 16, 9, 33, 385.
16, 11, 11, 430. 9 16, 6, 3, 233.
? 10, 15, 1, 539. 4 16, 5, 8, 330. 6 Ib. 16, 4, 573.
Ib, 9, 33, 385. 16, 15, 1, 541.