Craft production

The appearance of other concomitants of an expanding economy initiated as well, and some of these characteristics were used as similes by the Buddha. Trade, interest and debts^[1] came under this category. In the texts, there are many references to metallurgy^[2], the construction of permanent structures^[3], and a very wide range of goods. Both silk and cotton^[4], leatherwork^[5], fine pottery^[6], textiles, ivory work^[7], and woodwork^[8] are found in the literature. The reflection of this increase in the production of material goods in the various rules concerning the permitted articles of possession for the bhikkus appeared in the texts^[9] as well.

The degree of specialization was the representation of the natural effect of this growing complexity of the economy which became obvious during the period. A number of occupations have been listed in the samannaphala sutta of the Digha that were generally followed.^[10]