Trade and Trade Routes in Ancient India c8.68

c8.68

For the advancement of trade it was necessary to control the artisans and merchants alike. It seems that some guilds of artisans deposited some money with those who wanted their welfare so that they could claim that amount at the time of need. Artisans had to work according to the conditions laid down in their agreements. In case of non-compliance with these conditions one-fourth of their wages were deducted and they were fined to the extent of twice of their wages, but if the artisans found themselves in trouble then such rules were not applicable. If they manufactured additional goods without the permission of the employer even then they were fined.³⁷ Rules were also framed to save the people against the dishonesties practised by merchants.³⁸ The Superintendent of Trade only allowed to sell old goods after thorough inspection. Merchants were also fined for not keeping proper measurements and weights. They were also heavily punished if they pledged bad articles for good ones or if they changed the goods. Those merchants who, for their profit, underpriced the goods brought by artisans or created obstacles in their sale, were equally punished. Those merchants forming a party created obstacles in the transaction of goods or asked for more price than the fixed price, they all received punishment from the state.