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 ?

Question

GSHardPrelims 2022Ancient History

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 ?

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Arthashastra recognizes several categories of slaves (dasas), including individuals who entered bondage as a consequence of punishment, debt, or distress. Judicial punishment could therefore result in servitude.

Statement 2 is correct: The Arthashastra provides that if a female slave bore a son to her master, she became entitled to freedom.

Statement 3 is correct: A son born to a female slave and fathered by her master could receive the legal status and recognition of the master's son.

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