What were Manigramam and Nanadesi in early medieval India ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Cluster of non-revenue paying villages” option2=”Village-level community groups” option3=”Guilds of Indian merchants” option4=”Literary societies in the capital towns” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2022

Download PDF Attempt Online

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.

More similar MCQ questions for Exam preparation:-