The Positive Background of Hindu Sociology c13.s4.2

c13.s4.2

Let us take a more or less generic work first. In the South Indian work in Malayalam entitled *Manavala-Nārāyaṇa-śatakam*²⁶ there is a verse on the honour of merchants (*vaisiyar perumai*). The merchants are advised to conduct their business skilfully. They should not hanker after high rates of profit. An even and correct balance is to be used in connection with every customer. No loans are to be offered to the dishonest even if they should offer a collateral. On the other hand, loans on personal security may be offered to the honest. In book keeping not even the eighth part of a mustard seed should be allowed by way of mistake. Public measures ought to be assisted by merchants even to the extent of a crore (of the monetary unit).