Trade and Merchant Guilds in Medieval South India:An Incisive Insight

In the economic history of Medieval South India the term 'guild' (sreni) has assumed importance. The genesis for this etymology goes back to the time the Pre-Christian era when expression nagaram is found mentioned in the Tamil Bhrami inscriptions of the second century BC . The mercantile organization has gained momentum on account of the urbanization and economic growth. This paper discusses the major trade and mercantile guilds such as, Nagarams, Ainnurruvar, Padinenvishayam, Manigramam, Valanjiyar, Erivirathalam, Nanadesi and the like which acted in the ancient days as potential centres for urban growth.