Mandasor Silk Weavers’ Inscription
Mandasor Silk Weavers’ Inscription is a Gupta-period inscription recording the establishment of a silk-weaving guild at Mandasor (ancient Dashapura), Madhya Pradesh, India.
Overview
The inscription, dated to approximately 473 CE, documents the migration of silk-weaving artisans from Labdhaka (possibly Punjab) to Mandasor, where they established a guild under the patronage of the Gupta king Kumaragupta I.
Historical Context
The inscription was discovered at Mandasor in the 19th century. It records that the artisans left their homeland due to war and were welcomed by the local king, who granted them land and privileges. The guild established a temple to the Sun God and organized religious festivals. The inscription is one of the most detailed documents of ancient Indian guild life.
Features/Significance
The inscription provides evidence of long-distance migration, economic organization, and religious practices in Gupta-period India. It documents the establishment of guilds as semi-autonomous corporate bodies with legal rights. The inscription is also notable for its literary quality and poetic style.
Modern Status
The inscription is preserved at the Government Museum, Delhi and the Mandsaur Museum. It remains a key source for studying Gupta-period economy and social organization.
Verification Notes
- Gupta inscription dated 473 CE in Sanskrit
- Documents silk-weaving guild from Labdhaka
- Preserved at Government Museum, Delhi