Historical Geography of Ancient India c6.652

c6.652

The material prosperity of Śrāvastī was due to the fact that it was a meeting place of three main trade routes and a great centre of trade. The Sohgaura copperplate containing an order, either issued by or issued to the Mahāmātras of Śrāvastī, stands out as a clear epigraphic record proving that store-houses were built by the State on public roads at reasonable distances and in suitable localities, stocked with loads of ropes and other things useful to the caravans (Vienna Oriental Journal, X, 138ff.; I.A., XXV, 216ff.; J.R.A.S., 1907, 510ff., I.H.Q., X, 54-6; A.B.O.R.I., XI, 32ff. Sāvattiyam mahīmatanam sisane). According to the Lalitavistara, this city was full of kings, princes, ministers, councillors and their followers, etc. (Ch. I). It accommodated 57,000 families (Samantapāsādikā, p. 614). It must have been surrounded by a wall provided with gates on four or more sides. Within the wall the city must have three broad rings or divisions, namely, central, outer and outermost, the royal palace and the court occupying the centre. The road arrangements must have been so planned as to facilitate patrol duty. There must have been proper allocation of sites for quarters of officials, religious and educational institutions, private houses, markets and even prostitutes' quarters.