Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2022 · Ancient History · Question 60

According to Kautilya's Arthashastra, which of the following are correct? 1. A person could be a slave as a result of a judicial punishment. 2. If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free. 3. 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?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer

1, 2 and 3

1. Correct. Arthashastra recognizes slavery arising from causes including judicial punishment/danda-pranita; so enslavement could follow a legal penalty.

2. Correct. It states that if a female slave bore her master a son, she obtained freedom.

3. Correct. The text also provides that a son born to a female slave by her master was to be treated with the legal status/rights of the master's son.

Hence, all three statements are correct.

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