According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which of the following is correct?

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?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• The Arthashastra discusses various aspects of social and economic life, including the conditions of slaves. According to it:
  • a man could be a slave by birth, by voluntarily selling himself, by being captured in war, or as a result of a judicial punishment. (This statement is given in (NIOS) National Institute of Open Schooling course books but as per the UPSC official answer key this statement is incorrect).
  • If a female slave gave birth to a son fathered by her master, The female slave would be granted legal freedom. The child would be considered the master’s legitimate son, entitled to inherit property and other rights.

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Hard