In the context of the Gupta period’s administrative and economic structure, who was referred to as the Sarthavaha?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. The chief of merchant caravans and leader of major trade guilds.
In the context of the Gupta period’s administrative and economic structure, the person referred to as the Sarthavaha was the chief of merchant caravans and leader of major trade guilds.
The term Sarthavaha literally means 'leader of the caravan' (sārtha meaning caravan, vāha meaning leader). During the Gupta period (c. 320 to 550 CE), they played a crucial role in the economic life of the empire.
-
Trade and Commerce: The Sarthavaha organized and led large merchant caravans (sārthas) that moved goods across vast distances, facilitating both internal and external trade. This made them vital to the empire's revenue and commercial prosperity.
-
Guild Leadership: They were often the heads of powerful trade guilds (śreṇī), which regulated commerce, acted as banking institutions, and even performed quasi-judicial functions among their members. Their influence reflected the period's flourishing trade economy.
The other roles were held by different officials: the royal auditor was likely the Mahākṣapaṭalika (Chief Accountant), and the superintendent of religious endowments was often a Dharmādhikari or similar post.