Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
According to Kautilya's Arthashastra, consider the following statements: 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?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: B
Concept
The Arthashastra provides a detailed legal framework for the institution of slavery (Dasa), distinguishing between those born into it and those enslaved by debt or punishment.Explanation
Kautilya mentions that if a female slave (dasi) bears a son to her master, both the mother and the son obtain freedom. Furthermore, such a son is legally recognized as the master's legitimate son regarding inheritance and status.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statement 1 is generally mentioned in the text (Dandapranita), but per the official UPSC 2022 key, this specific nuanced interpretation was excluded from the correct set.
Logic 2: Statement 2 is correct as the birth of a master's child served as a ground for manumission (freedom) for the slave mother.
Logic 3: Statement 3 is correct as the master's biological son born to a slave was granted the same legal status and rights as a free son.