Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c14.5

c14.5

Geldner detected references to guilds in the Ṛigveda. His conclusions have been called in question, but, even if correct, they furnish no indication of any theory of guilds in the period of the Ṛigveda. In the Brâhmaṇas and Upaniṣads occur the words Śreṭhin and Gaṇa but they carry us no further in the elucidation of guild theory.¹ Firmer ground is reached with the Dharma Sûtras² which must needs lay down aphorisms on every aspect of social organisation.