The Colas c28.7

c28.7

Apart from such exceptional privileges and disabilities which formed the subject of regulation by specific agreements, the place and duties of each class in society were largely a matter of ancient custom which doubtless underwent slow and imperceptible modification under the stress of new circumstances. The economic bonds which united the members of each profession or caste come prominently into view in the arrangements recorded in inscriptions. The principle of collective responsibility was commonly observed, and even a sort of frank-pledge by which the group guaranteed the proper conduct of each of its members was not unknown.⁹