What were Manigramam and Nanadesi in early medieval India ?

Cluster of non-revenue paying villages

Village-level community groups

Guilds of Indian merchants

Literary societies in the capital towns

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2022

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Manigramam and Nanadesi were prominent and powerful merchant guilds (or associations of traders) in South India during the early medieval period (roughly 9th to 13th centuries). They played a crucial role in the long-distance trade, both within India and overseas.

– These guilds were highly organized, often having their own militia to protect trade routes and goods.
– They facilitated trade by pooling resources, managing risks, and establishing widespread trading networks.

These guilds are well-documented in inscriptions found across South India and even Southeast Asia, indicating the extensive reach of their trade activities. They were not restricted to local village activities or literary pursuits.

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