Local Government in Ancient India c9.s2.6

c9.s2.6

Some of the Bhinmāl inscriptions (*Bombay Gazetteer*, vol. I, pt. I, App. iii) show the temples acting as banks in receiving permanent deposits to provide out of their interest the articles for worship specified by the donors. These articles comprised flowers for garlands, aloewood, wheat, ghee, leaves and betel-nut &c., required for the *naivedya* as also the engagement of singing women. The rate of interest allowed on the deposits is also indicated; in one case it was as high as 30 per cent. (no. VII), in another case only 12 per cent. (no. X).