UPSC PYQPrelims 2022

Civil Services Examination · Question 60

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?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer & explanation

Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The Arthashastra recognises slavery through judicial punishment (dandadasa), and frees a female slave and her son when the master fathers him, giving the son the master's son's status.