Q.GUILD STRUCTURE:
by Rongsinthui Rongmei, 2nd year, MA(History).
Date: 10 /05/24
INTRODUCTION : Ancient India guild, also known as shreni
or sreni are a unique and multifaceted form of organisation of people
following the same occupation and crafts, residing at one place,
corporated with each other, which combined the functions of a
democratic government. They are the industrial and mercantile
organisation and an important feature of the economic life of Ancient
India. The development of guild organisation was the result due to the
division of labour under the varna system. Agriculture, cattle farming and
trade, the three occupations of Vaishyas, in the course of time
developed as a separate group. As there was a surplus of product, the
Shudras, besides serving the upper varnas, took up menial crafts as
were looked down on the higher varnas and in view that their crafts
products can be exchanged with the surplus products of food.
