Corporation of Merchants in Ancient India — UPSC Prelims PYQ 1997
Which one of the following was a corporation of merchants in ancient India?
- Chaturvedi Mangalam
- Parishad
- Ashtadikgaja
- Manigrama
Explanation
Option (d) is correct
- Manigrama was an important guild (corporation) of merchants in ancient and early medieval India, especially in South India.
- Other options explained:
- Chaturvedi Mangalam: A settlement granted to Brahmins for Vedic learning (auspicious place for Brahmins experts in the four Vedas).
- Parishad: A council of learned Brahmins or advisors.
- Ashtadikgaja: The Ashtadiggajas (meaning “Eight Elephants in the Eight Directions”) were a group of eight, highly acclaimed Telugu poets and scholars who adorned the court of Emperor Krishnadevaraya (ruled 1509–1529 CE) of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Answer: (d) Manigrama
