Class of Traders and Money Lenders

The class that belonged to traders and money lenders in ancient India is the Vaishyas. They were the third Varna or social class in the caste system of ancient India, after the Brahmins (priests and scholars) and the Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers).

Characteristics of Vaishyas

The Vaishyas were primarily involved in trade, commerce, and agriculture. They were considered wealthy and influential, as they controlled the economy of the country. Some of the key characteristics of the Vaishyas are:

- Business savvy: The Vaishyas were known for their business acumen and entrepreneurial skills. They were involved in various trades and businesses, including textiles, spices, and precious metals.

- Agriculture: Many Vaishyas were also involved in agriculture, as they owned large tracts of land and employed farmers to cultivate crops.

- Wealth: The Vaishyas were considered to be the wealthiest class in the society, as they controlled the trade and commerce of the country.

- Education: Unlike the Shudras, the Vaishyas had access to education and were encouraged to learn about business and commerce.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that the Vaishyas were the class that belonged to traders and money lenders in ancient India. They were an important part of the society, as they contributed to the economy and were considered wealthy and influential.