Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c14.s4.1

c14.s4.1

decline of industry and commerce in the last centuries of the ancient age. But guilds have never altogether vanished from India. Śukranīti emphasises the principle of trial with the help of one's peers. Foresters are to be tried with the help of foresters, merchants by the help of merchants and so on.¹ Guilds have survived in some parts of the country up to the present day. They or rather their headmen still claim to be courts of justice. They still have their rules of apprenticeship, membership, business and expenditure. They still seek to guide the life of their members.²