[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [General history and culture](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general) › [The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.rapson-1922) › v1.c19.s9.180 # The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c19.s9.180 The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c19.s9.180 - **Language:** English ### [v1.c19.s9.180](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.rapson-1922.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. - [Previous: v1.c19.s9.179](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.rapson-1922.v1.c19.s9.179) - [Next: v1.c19.s9.181](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.rapson-1922.v1.c19.s9.181) - [Up: v1.c19.s9](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.rapson-1922.v1.c19.s9) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.rapson-1922.v1.c19.s9.180](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.rapson-1922.v1.c19.s9.180) · Pramāṇa