Which of the following correctly describes the Sarthavaha in Gupta dynasty's administration?
Head of the trading guilds representing various trading communities.
In the Gupta period, two distinctive types of merchants are mentioned in epigraphs and texts — Sreshthi and Sarthavaha.
The Sreshthi was a wealthy banker-merchant settled at a particular place, while the Sarthavaha was a caravan trader and the head of trading guilds who organised long-distance trade by leading caravans across regions.
Inscriptions and seals of the period (e.g., from Vaisali) refer to the sreshthi-sarthavaha-kulika-nigama — an umbrella body of bankers, caravan traders and artisans.
Hence the Sarthavaha headed the trading guilds representing various trading communities. The correct answer is option 3).
Similar Questions
Who among the following rulers is called the ‘Napoleon of India’?
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In the context of Gupta dynasty's taxation, which pair is correct?
Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched in accordance with Gupta's administration (Officer–Stated Role)?
According to the Gupta dynasty's administrative structure, which one of the following pairs of officer and role is correctly matched?
Determine the correctly matched pair for Gupta-era obligations.
The last recognised king of the Gupta kingdom was _______.
- Which title used by Gupta rulers reflected their Vaishnavite affiliation?
Which term-meaning pair is accurate in relation to the Gupta dynasty?
Important Questions from Gupta Age
Which legal text of the Gupta period gives us a fair idea of the polity and administration of the Guptas ?
From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India?
1. The Guptas of Magadha
2. The Paramaras Malwa
3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
4. The Maukharis of Kanauj
5. The Yaduvas of Devagiri
6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Who was called as the 'Napoleon of India'?
Which of the following rulers from the Gupta dynasty first assumed the title 'Maharajadhiraja'?
Identify the person from the following description :
a. Founder of a great empire.
b. Cultured, scholar and a poet.
c. The famous poet Harisena was his court poet and Buddhist scholar Vasubandhu was in his court.
d. Vincent Smith praises him as the 'Indian Napoleon'.
