MasteryExams
History • Ancient IndiaMedium

The term 'Sarthavaha' in ancient Indian economic history was used to designate:

A. A military general
B. A leader of a caravan of merchants✓ Correct Answer
C. A royal tax collector
D. A superintendent of ports

💡 Solution & Explanation

A Sarthavaha was the chief or leader of merchant caravans who undertook long-distance trade across ancient trade routes, ensuring the security and organization of traders. Other administrative titles in ancient texts typically designated military commanders or royal revenue officials rather than commercial caravan leaders. Historical accounts by authors like Banabhatta frequently reference these merchant leaders in trade networks.

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