Ample references in the vedic literature are available about trade for profit in distant landsby travelling over the seas (RV 1.562). Merchants in the vedic period prayed and offered oblations to seek divine grace for success in trade (RV 3.183). These commercial people believed in materialistic philosophy of life. Mostly these traders and merchants were the Asuras or Dasyus and for trade moved in all directions including foreign countries. The international trade was confined to a certain section of Dasyu society called the Panis. Pani is referred to as a tradesman of extremely miserly nature. They are deplored in many mantras of the Rig veda (RV 6.53.02 to 07). They are the rich and enterprising merchant class solely devoted to the cause of gain either through trade or usury. They have been designated as Bekanatas or usurers. These panis can be classified as the ancestors of Vanika of later times who formed the Vaisya caste in Aryan conception. | Ample references in the vedic literature are available about trade for profit in distant landsby travelling over the seas (RV 1.562). Merchants in the vedic period prayed and offered oblations to seek divine grace for success in trade (RV 3.183). These commercial people believed in materialistic philosophy of life. Mostly these traders and merchants were the Asuras or Dasyus and for trade moved in all directions including foreign countries. The international trade was confined to a certain section of Dasyu society called the Panis. Pani is referred to as a tradesman of extremely miserly nature. They are deplored in many mantras of the Rig veda (RV 6.53.02 to 07). They are the rich and enterprising merchant class solely devoted to the cause of gain either through trade or usury. They have been designated as Bekanatas or usurers. These panis can be classified as the ancestors of Vanika of later times who formed the Vaisya caste in Aryan conception. |