The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c16.27

c16.27

This is a picture of India as seen by a fifth-century Chinese globe-trotter: "Throughout the whole country people do not kill any living creature, nor drink intoxicating liquor, nor eat onions or garlic. The only exception is that of the Chandâlas."¹ The administration of justice was mild and humane. The law was generally maintained without decapitation or severe corporal punishment. Only in repeated attempts at rebellion the right hand of criminals was cut off. The king's officials received regular salaries and did not vex the people. The latter "have not to register their households, or attend to any magistrates and their rules; only those who cultivate the royal land have to pay a portion of the gain from it. If they want to go, they go; if they want to stay on, they stay."²