Ancient History
2022
Mauryan Empire
Ancient Literature
According to Kautilya's Arthashastra, which of the following are correct?
- A person could be a slave as a result of a judicial punishment.
- If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free.
- If a son born to a female slave was fathered by her master, the son was entitled to the legal status of the master's son. Which of the statements given above are correct?
C.1 and 3 only
A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: Option D
According to Kautilya's Arthashastra, slavery was a recognized institution in ancient India, with defined legal relationships between masters and slaves.
A person could become a slave in several ways:
- By birth.
- By voluntarily selling themselves.
- By being captured in war.
- As a result of judicial punishment.
Further, the Arthashastra stipulated certain rights and protections for slaves:
- If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally freed.
- If a son born to a female slave was fathered by her master, that son was entitled to the legal status of the master's son.
Therefore, all three statements are correct.
More Ancient History Questions
In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs:Ancient History · 2016With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs toAncient History · 2018With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save th...Ancient History · 2018Sanghabhuti, an Indian Buddhist monk, who travelled to China at the end of the fourth century AD, wa...Ancient History · 2024With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:Ancient History · 2016