The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c28.48

v1.c28.48

Trade⁷ was active, various, and minutely regulated. The precious wares comprise many species of gold, silver, spices, and cosmetics from all parts of India; jewels, including pearls from Southern India, Ceylon, and beyond the sea; skins from Central Asia and China; muslin, cotton, and silk from China and Further India. The best horses came, as now, from the Indus countries and beyond. The merchant was mulcted in dues at the frontier⁸, by road-taxes and tolls, and by octroi at the gates of the cities, where the royal officials maintained a douane and watch-house⁹: he was required to be armed with a passport¹⁰, and severe penalties were attached to malpractices in connexion therewith. The officials record in writing 'who the merchants are, whence they come, with what merchandise, and where it has been visé'd.' The country produce also was subject to octroi upon entry, and, to ensure that nothing might escape, there were prohibitions of purchase in part or in bulk at the place of origin in farms, orchards, and gardens¹¹. The amount and price of all goods was declared, and the sale was by auction, any enhancement accruing to the treasury. Combinations to affect prices were punishable¹²; an army of spies was engaged on the routes in order to detect false declarations¹³. The prices of ordinary goods were fixed and proclaimed daily by the officials¹⁴. Similarly all weights and measures were subject to inspection¹. There were export, as well as import duties and octrois, and certain classes of goods were forbidden to be introduced or sent abroad respectively. The king himself was a great trader, disposing of the output of his factories, workshops, and prisons, and the produce of his lands, forests, and mines, for which he maintained store-houses (*koshṭhāgāra*) through the country². In particular he reserved the right of coining and other work in silver and gold, which was executed by his officials on behalf of those who brought their raw metal³.