Consider the following statements about merchant guilds of South India

Consider the following statements about merchant guilds of South India :

  • 1. Ayyavole merchant guild was originally established in Aihole.
  • 2. Manigraman merchant guild was subordinated to the Anjuvannam merchant guild in the 13th century.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2018
Statement 1 only is correct.
Statement 1: The Ayyavole (also known as the Five Hundred of Ayyavole or Ainnurruvar) was a powerful merchant guild in medieval South India. Historical evidence strongly suggests its origins are linked to Aihole, a prominent centre in Karnataka, from which it gets its name. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
Statement 2: Manigraman and Anjuvannam were both significant merchant guilds operating in South India and Southeast Asia, particularly along the coasts. While they often coexisted and traded in the same regions, and sometimes even jointly, historical sources do not generally describe Manigraman as being subordinated to Anjuvannam in the 13th century. They were more often seen as parallel or distinct entities. Thus, statement 2 is incorrect.
These merchant guilds played a crucial role in the economy of South India from the Pallava period onwards, flourishing under the Cholas and other dynasties. They facilitated long-distance trade, established trade settlements, and wielded considerable economic and sometimes political influence. Aihole was a significant cultural and economic center, fitting as a potential origin point for a major guild like Ayyavole.