Local Government in Ancient India c9.116

c9.116

In the Mandasor inscription of Kumāragupta and Bandhuvarman (Fleet, *Gupta Inscriptions*, p. 86) it is stated how 'a noble and unequalled temple of the bright-rayed sun was caused to be constructed by the silk-cloth weavers as a guild with the stores of wealth acquired by the exercise of their craft' in the city of Daśapura under king Bandhuvarman. Afterwards under other kings part of this temple fell into disrepair. And then it was restored by the *same* guild, showing that this particular guild had quite a long life. It is also stated that this guild of silk-cloth weavers had emigrated from their native district and after various vicissitudes of fortune prospered sufficiently to be able to pay the cost of building that temple. Some of these weavers are also stated to have taken to other trades. This shows once again the mobility of labour and the elasticity of occupations.¹