Correct option is C
Correct Answer: (C) 9
Explanation
→ In the Arthashastra, Kautilya provides a detailed classification of Dasas (slaves), identifying exactly nine types based on how they entered servitude.
→ These include those born in the house, those inherited, those purchased, and those captured in war (Dhvajahrita).
→ Kautilya's significance lies in his humane treatment of slaves; he advocated that no Arya (free citizen) should be a slave permanently.
→ This classification contradicts the Greek account by Megasthenes, who claimed that there were no slaves in India, likely because Indian slavery was milder than the Greek system.
Information Booster
→ These include those born in the house, those inherited, those purchased, and those captured in war (Dhvajahrita).
→ Kautilya's significance lies in his humane treatment of slaves; he advocated that no Arya (free citizen) should be a slave permanently.
→ This classification contradicts the Greek account by Megasthenes, who claimed that there were no slaves in India, likely because Indian slavery was milder than the Greek system.
Information Booster
→ The nine types include Udara-dasa (born in the house), Labdha (obtained through gift), and Danda-pranita (by judicial decree).
→ Kautilya allowed slaves to earn money and purchase their freedom.
→ He strictly forbade the sale of children into slavery.
→ Buddhist texts like the Digha Nikaya mention only 4 types, while Narada Smriti later mentions 15 types.
→ Slavery in the Mauryan period was more of a contractual or domestic nature compared to Western chattel slavery.
→ Kautilya allowed slaves to earn money and purchase their freedom.
→ He strictly forbade the sale of children into slavery.
→ Buddhist texts like the Digha Nikaya mention only 4 types, while Narada Smriti later mentions 15 types.
→ Slavery in the Mauryan period was more of a contractual or domestic nature compared to Western chattel slavery.
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