Ancient Indian Law and Governance

Slavery in Kautilya's Arthashastra: Legal Provisions

Under Kautilya's Arthashastra, if a female slave bore her master a son, both were considered legally free. Additionally, the son was entitled to the legal status of the master's legitimate son.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part I

Archived: 2022

Updated: 31 Mar 2026

Exam Year

2022

Evidence Source

Link ↗

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?

[UPSC CSE Pre. 2022, GS Paper I]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

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.

Authentic Source Evidence

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.

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"How did Kautilya's view on slavery differ from Western classical models?"

Unlike the Roman 'chattel' system, Arthashastra provided paths for manumission and recognized the human rights of the enslaved.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Arthashastra prioritized the preservation of lineage, allowing biological ties to override slave status."

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