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

Hard

Ancient History

Prelims 2022

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 ?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement 1 is Correct: Kautilya’s Arthashastra mentions several categories of slaves (dasas). One such category is Dandapranita, which refers to individuals who became slaves as a result of a judicial punishment or to pay off a court-imposed fine.

Statement 2 is Correct: According to the Arthashastra, if a female slave bears a son to her master, both the mother and the child are legally entitled to be free from bondage. This provision ensured a degree of social protection for the mother.

Statement 3 is Correct: The text specifies that a son born to a female slave and fathered by her master is entitled to the legal status of the master's son. Such a son was recognized as a legitimate heir and held rights to the father's property.

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