Life in Ancient India as Depicted in Jain Canons

SR No.: 011077
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jagdishchandra Jain
Publisher: New Book Company
Publication Year: 1947
Total Pages: 429
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 16 MB

Page 115

CHAPTER III
EXCHANGE Exchange is a vital part in economic system. Each individual is ordinarily dependent on others for the satisfaction of his nccds. Whatone does not produce himself must be obtained from others in exchange for what one does produce.
INLAND TRADE Trade was carried on briskly by land routes (thala) as well as by water routes (jala) in ancient India. Anandapura," Mahurā” and Dasannapura are quoted as examples of thalapattana where trade was carried by land; Diva," Kānanadiva and Purimao that of jalapattana where trade was carried by water; and Bharuyakaccha and Tāmalittı' that of donamuha where trade was carried by land as well as by water. The town where it was not possible to carry goods by land or water was known as kabbada (a petty-town).
Campā was an important industrial centre in those days; it was joined by Mithila. The Nayadhammakahā describes the sea-faring mcrchants (santiattānāvāvāniyaga) of Campā, who loaded their waggons (sagadzsāgada) with various goods and proceeded to deep harbour (gambhira poyapattana) In course of time, they arrived at the port of Mihilā and entered the city for trade. Jiņapāliya and Jiņarakkhiya were other merchants of the town who made the thirteenth voyage of the Lavana Ocean.10 Pälita was another businessman of Campā who went by boat (poya) to the town of Pihunda on business."
Then Dhana is described as leader of a caravan who proceeded to Ahicchatta on trade with a caravan consisting of bullock-carts laden with merchandise. 12
Ujjeni was another great centre of trade. Wchcar of Dhanavasu. a merchant of this place who left for Campå with a caravan and was attacked by robbers,19 Ujjeni was also conncctcd with Parasaküla. Ayala loaded the boats (vähana) with goods and journeyed to Pārasaula; he earned plenty of wealth there and anchored at Beņņāyada."
1 Brh. Bha. Vr. 1, 1090.
Acā. ca. 7, p 281. 3 Nisi, cú 5 34 (MSS). • Brh. Bha op. cit. 6 Acā. cū. op. cit. 8 Nisi cú op. cit 1 Brh. Bhā. op. cit. 8 Das, cd p 360.
Nāvā 8, p. 97 ff. 10 bid, 9, p. 121 f. 11 Uttara. Sú. 21. 2. 12 Naya, 15, p. 169. 18 Aud. Ntr., 1876 f. 16 Utara. Ti. 3, p. 04