Studies in Ancient Hindu Polity: Based on the Arthaṡâstra of Kautilya ...

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Longmans, Green, and Company, 1914 - Administrative law - 203 pages

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Page 11 - Some superintend the rivers, measure the land, as is done in Egypt, and inspect the sluices by which water is let out from the main canals into their branches, so that every one may have an equal supply of it.
Page 106 - The third body consists of those who inquire when and how births and deaths occur, with the view not only of levying a tax, but also in order that births and deaths among both high and low may not escape the cognizance of Government.
Page 158 - Separated kinsmen, as those who are unseparated, are equal in respect of immoveables, for one has not power over the whole, to make a gift, sale or mortgage.
Page 5 - in contrast to the general simplicity of their style, they love finery and ornament. Their robes are worked in gold and ornamented with precious stones, and they wear also flowered garments made of the finest muslin.
Page 140 - If two (parties) dispute about matters for which no witnesses are available, and the (judge) is unable to really ascertain the truth, he may cause it to be discovered even by an oath.
Page xliv - Arthasastra we find a combination of theory and practice, principles of government, as well as administrative details and regulations, treated with a touch of refreshing realism which is born only of a living experience of actual problems and contact with facts.
Page xli - And while the soil bears on its surface all kinds of fruits which are known to cultivation, it has also underground numerous veins of all sorts of metals, for it contains much gold and silver, and copper and iron in no small quantity, and even tin and other metals, which are employed in making articles of use and ornament, as well as the implements and accoutrements of war.
Page 171 - Monthly interest is declared to be an eightieth part of the principal, if a pledge be given ; an eighth part is added, if there be only a surety ; and if there be neither pledge nor surety, two in the hundred may be taken from a debtor of tlie sacerdotal class.^ " An eightieth part ;
Page xxxviii - Government The fourth class superintends trade and commerce Its members have charge of weights and measures, and see that the products in their season are sold by public notice No one is allowed to deal in more than one kind of commodity unless he pays a double tax...
Page 174 - Do credit or worth. Besides, it was judged a most unjust thing, not to believe him upon his oath, in that matter relating to his contract, to whom credit was given in the self-same thing, without an oath before. 15. For those that lent money by contract in writing, it was not lawful to take usury above what would double the stock; and that payment should be made only out of the debtor's goods; but his body was not to be liable in any wise to imprisonment: and those were counted the debtor's goods,...

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