UPSC Prelims 2022 Q60: Ancient History – Society, Law & Administration
According to Kautilya's Arthashastra, which of the following are 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 ?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Slavery in Kautilya's Arthashastra
| Statement | Official verdict | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1. A person could become a slave by judicial punishment | Incorrect (official key) | The Arthashastra does name dandapranita (enslaved for a fine or punishment), but bars enslaving an Arya; UPSC treated the bare statement as wrong |
| 2. A female slave who bore her master a son became legally free | Correct | The text frees the mother when the master fathers her child |
| 3. Such a son gets the legal status of the master's son | Correct | The child is recognised as the master's son, with that status |
Kautilya on slaves:
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Aryas | Could not be sold into permanent slavery |
| Ransom | A slave could buy freedom by paying the price |
| Protection | Abusing a slave or forcing degrading work was punishable |
Note: many historians argue statement 1 is also supported by the text, but the official UPSC key is (b).
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The official key rejects statement 1 and accepts statement 3 on the son's status.
- (b) CORRECT. Per the official key, the slave mother is freed and her son by the master gets a son's legal status.
- (c) Incorrect. It omits statement 2, which the Arthashastra clearly supports.
- (d) Incorrect. The official key does not accept statement 1, though some historians dispute this.
Key point
Arthashastra: a slave woman bearing her master's son is freed, and the son gets the master's son's status (official key: 2 and 3).
Remember
Kautilya: slave mother of master's son is freed; son gets son's status. Key: (b).
Common mistakes
- Choosing (d) from the text's mention of dandapranita; the official key still marks statement 1 incorrect.
- Forgetting that the Arthashastra protected Aryas from permanent enslavement.
- Thinking ancient law gave slaves no rights; Kautilya allowed ransom and punished abuse.
Exam tip
For disputed keys, learn the official answer and the reason it is debated. UPSC repeats themes, not exact wording.
Sources
- R. Shamasastry (tr.) — Kautilya's Arthashastra, Book III, Ch 13 (Rules regarding slaves)
- UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2022 — Official Answer Key, GS Paper I