The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c19.s9.180

v1.c19.s9.180

The title of *seṭṭhi* (best, chief), which is so often met with and, without much justification rendered by ‘treasurer,’ may possibly imply headship over some class of industry or trading. It is clear that the famous *seṭṭhi*, Anāthapiṇḍika of Sāvatthī, the millionaire lay-supporter of the *Saṅgha*, had some authority over his fellow-traders. Five hundred *seṭṭhis*, e.g., attended him in his presentation of the Jetavana to the Buddha⁷. Unless these were convened from different towns, the number in any one town was not limited to one or a few. They are usually described as wealthy, and as engaged in commerce. Dr Fick is probably right in alluding to them as representing the mercantile profession at court⁸. The word certainly implied an office (*ṭhāna*¹) held during life. There might be a chief (*mahā*) *seṭṭhi*, and an *anuseṭṭhi* or subordinate officer²; a commentary even refers to the insignia of a *seṭṭhi-chatta* (umbrella of state)³.