South Indian merchant guilds
Also called: Ainnurruvar, Manigramam · Topic: Southern Dynasties: Chalukyas, Pallavas, Cholas · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 3 "Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries"; Class 7, Ch 4 "Turning Tides: The 11th and 12th Centuries"
Meaning
These were large trading associations of medieval south India. A guild is a group of traders or craftsmen who work together and protect their shared interests. The two best known were the Ainnurruvar ("the Five Hundred" of Ayyavole, that is, Aihole) and the Manigramam. One worked mainly in coastal and inland trade. The other, the Ainnurruvar, was the largest trade body working across many regions. The guilds gave money to temples and charities and were rich enough to back royal wars.
Example
Around 1025, many Indian merchant guilds backed Rajendra Chola I's naval expedition against Shrivijaya. Shrivijaya controlled the Strait of Malacca, the key route for the growing China trade. The raid protected the guilds' sea trade with Southeast Asia and China.
Don't confuse with
- Nagaram: a local assembly of merchants in one town. The Ainnurruvar and Manigramam worked across regions and overseas.