Q. Who received donations from Ishwarsena’s Nasik cave inscription for providing medicines for sick monks?
Answer: Trade guilds
Notes: Ishwarsena, founder of the Abhira dynasty, issued an inscription in the Nasik cave during his 9th regnal year mentioning two donations of 1,000 and 500 karshapanas. These were specifically given to trade guilds at Govardhana (Old Nasik) for the purpose of providing medicines to sick monks. This reveals both his support for commerce and monastic welfare, and underscores the significant role of trade guilds in providing social services in ancient Maharashtra. Such donations are vital for our understanding of the economic and religious landscape of the period.