Trade and Trade Routes in Ancient India c8.48

c8.48

As protective measures in the forests, dogs and hunters were employed. As soon as they received the intelligence of the approach of enemy or robbers, they hid themselves behind the trees or hills in order to avoid the knowledge of their presence. From here either by the beat of the drums or blowing of the chankshells they warned the people about the impending trouble. If they found that the enemy was on the march then they tied a sealed message in the neck of a homing pigeon and sent it to the proper authorities; by burning fire at regular intervals they issued warning about the presence of the enemy. Besides these precautions the Superintendent of Passports also protected the forests and elephant reserves,²⁵ repaired the roads, arrested thieves, protected merchants and cows and looked after business transactions between the caravans.