According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which of the following are correct?

UPSC Prelims 2022 Question:

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?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: Option d) 1, 2 and 3 only

Learn more about Kautilya’s Arthashastra in the given explanation below.

Explanation:

• The Arthashastra is an Indian treatise on politics, economics, military strategy, the function of the state, and social organization attributed to Kautilya (also known as Chanakya). He was instrumental in establishing the reign of the great king Chandragupta Maurya (321-297 BCE).
• According to Arthashastra, there were various ways through which a person could become a slave as per Kautilya’s Arthashatra. One of which was judicial punishment.So, Statement 1 is correct.
• Arthashastra was quite strict when it came to rights of slaves and especially female slaves. If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free. Also, 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. So, statement 2 and statement 3 are correct.

Key Concepts of Arthashastra

Here are some of the key concepts of Kautilya's Arthashastra:

• The king: The king is the supreme authority in the state. He is responsible for the welfare of his subjects and the security of his kingdom.
• The administration: The administration is responsible for carrying out the day-to-day functions of government. It is divided into a number of departments, including finance, justice, and military affairs.
• The economy: The economy is important for the strength and prosperity of the state. Kautilya advocates for a strong central government that controls the economy.
• The army: The army is essential for the defense of the state. Kautilya emphasizes the importance of a well-trained and disciplined army.
• Foreign policy: Foreign policy is important for the security and prosperity of the state. Kautilya advocates for a strong foreign policy that protects the interests of the state.

The Arthashastra is a complex and sophisticated work that provides a comprehensive overview of the art of statecraft. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Indian political thought or the history of government.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

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