Essay name: Bhasa (critical and historical study)
Author: A. D. Pusalker
This book studies Bhasa, the author of thirteen plays ascribed found in the Trivandrum Sanskrit Series. These works largely adhere to the rules of traditional Indian theatrics known as Natya-Shastra.
Page 467 of: Bhasa (critical and historical study)
467 (of 564)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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447 2 66
The J膩takas refer to various kinds of trade-foreign
and inland, oceanic and riverine, export and import,"
Inland trade was carried on by carts and caravans. The
caravans consisted of a large number of carts, five hundred
being the number generally mentioned, which contained
various valuable articles of merchandise, water and
foodstuffs. Often their way lay through deserts and
forest tracks and leaders of gangs of robbers were not
uncommon who waylaid them. Trade relations existed
with all parts of India and there were trade routes crossing
the whole country. Tradesmen residing
Tradesmen residing
in Benares
travelled to Ujjayini for trade, and merchants from Videha
carried on trade with Kashmir and G膩ndh膩ra. On
account of the mention of di艣膩k膩kas' (direction-giving
crows) whose flying towards the land showed the
direction of the coast to the navigators, Dr. Fick thinks
that the J膩takas speak of " navigation along the coast
and not navigation in the open sea" He does not
accept the view that there was a regular trade between
India and Babylon; but the very fact that probably
Indian sailors went to Babylon" shows that they crossed
the sea, as the J膩takas do not mention any land route to
Baveru (Babylon). The Samudra Banija J膩taka, the
Supp膩raka J膩taka and many other J膩takas tell us about
big ships holding any number of passengers from five
hundred and sailing on the high seas to some foreign
islands. References are also found to the dangers of sea
travel. We also read of apa峁嘺 or shops where arrows,
carriages and other goods for sale were kept on view. In
the bazaars which were situated in the prominent quarters
of the city could be had textile fabrics, grain,
greengroceries, perfumes and flowers, works of gold and
jewellery, and many other commodities. Traders made
huge profits, sometimes recovering double or even treble
the original price. Prices were not fixed but were to be
settled by haggling or by competition. There were
organized guilds of hereditary tradesmen and
manufacturers; sixteen different guilds of producers are
mentioned. These guilds were important institutions in
ancient times. They settled internal disputes. by
arbitration and maintained high standards in production.
1 Cf. Mookerji, Hindu Civilization, pp. 302-305. 2 Social Organization,
p. 269.
3 Jataka Nos. 41, 186, 190, 196, 384, 442, 463, 466, 518, 539.
