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.

Slavery in Kautilya's Arthashastra: Legal Provisions (2022 PYQ)

ID: ANC_LIT_2022_01 Ref: Arthashastra by Kautilya (R.P. Kangle translation)

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?

AI Quick Summary (View Answer)

Correct Option: B

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.