What was ‘Rupajiva’ during the Mauryan period?

→ In Mauryan terminology, Rupajiva referred to female prostitutes who earned their living through their beauty and arts.
→ The term is derived from 'Rupa' (beauty/form) and 'Jiva' (livelihood).
→ They were a recognized social class and were regulated by the state under an officer called Ganikadhyaksha.
→ Since none of the options (Trade, Agriculture, or Slavery) accurately describe this profession, the answer is None of the above.
Information Booster

→ The Arthashastra of Kautilya provides detailed regulations regarding Rupajivas.
→ They were required to pay taxes to the state, typically two days' earnings per month.
→ Some Rupajivas were also employed by the Mauryan state as spies and informants.
→ The Ganikadhyaksha was the Superintendent of Prostitutes responsible for their welfare and legal disputes.
→ This indicates the highly organized and revenue-oriented nature of Mauryan administration.
Additional Information

Option (A) Trade and commerce: Trade was overseen by the Panyadhyaksha, and the general term for trade was Vanijya.
Option (B) Domestication of animal and agriculture: Agriculture, cattle-rearing, and trade were collectively known as 'Varta'.
Option (C) Slavery: Slavery existed in Mauryan times (referred to as Dasa), but Rupajiva was a distinct professional category of independent or state-supervised women.
​​​