Essay name: Vasudevahindi (cultural history)
Author:
A. P. Jamkhedkar
Affiliation: Savitribai Phule Pune University / Deccan College Post Graduate and Research Institute Pune
This essay is an English study of the Vasudevahindi reflecting cultural history and traditions of the life of people in ancient and medieval India during the 6th century. The Vasudevahimdi is a romantic and religious tale that revolves around the wanderings of Vasudeva (a former Jain monk) and religious teachings in the guise of love stories, a common theme of poetry in Jainism.
Chapter 4 - Economic Conditions
1 (of 79)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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CHAPTER IV
ECONOMIC
CONDITIONS
A word of explanation is needed at the beginning
of this chapter. As compared to other chapters, it is
clear that information pertaining to contemporary economy
is very megre in the Vh, the character of the text
being basically religious. We get some glimpses of the
caravan trade, sea-trade, etc., in the unique story of
the trader Carudatta of the city of Campa from the Vh(P).
This can be said to be the most noteworthy feature in
the whole of Vh. The Vh(M) is virtually unhelpful
regarding data pertaining to contemporary economy. The
Vh(M), however, gives some details about ratna-pariksa
i.e. 'evaluation of jewels' in the discourse of Vasudeva
to prince Amsumanta, which is of a stereotype nature.
Nothing beyond this, is available in the Vh(M) which
can be helpful to know economic conditions.
PRODUCTION : Professions :
Agriculture :
Tilling the land was a sin (Karisanarambha)
according to the Jaina religion, as this act involved
