Local Government in Ancient India c9.98

c9.98

Some of the rules for the constitution of co-operative societies or guilds in general together with their rules of business have been already given. There are also laid down certain general qualifications of membership upon the basis of which alone a guild can be constituted. These moral and mental factors are not less important than the legal ones cited above. Guilds can be constituted only by men possessed of one or other of the following qualifications, viz., (1) nobility of birth, [‘which disdains to break engagements at any cost’] (2) practical ability, (3) diligence or energy, (4) proficiency, (5) knowledge of currency, (6) knowledge of accountancy, (7) honesty, and (8) physical valour. Of these, (5) and (6) apply specially to trade, (6) to agriculture, (4) to arts and crafts, (1), (4), and (7) to the priestly craft, (8) to the military arts (political dacoities and raids), while (2) and (3) are the common requisites of all the various guilds (*Smṛti-Candrikā*). It is further pointed out that (2) and (3) exclude those who are physically disabled, while (5) excludes the unfortunate and the destitute who cannot contribute any capital to the funds of the guild (*nirāśraya*). It is also to be noted in this connexion that the contribution to the common stock may be in cash or kind, (e. g. gold, grain, liquids, and condiments as stated by Bṛhaspati, XIV. 4), according to the nature of the guild. The contributions of members determine their share not only of the expenses, losses, and profits of the joint-business, but also of the labours of management. All must be working partners.