The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c28.81

v1.c28.81

In totally denying slavery Megasthenes went too far⁹: in fact seven kinds of slaves are enumerated¹⁰: but it is laid down that no Ārya ('freeman,' here including the Çūdra) could be enslaved. A man might sell himself into slavery, and in times of distress children might be so provided for: also there were captives in war. In all cases the slave may purchase his freedom by any earnings acquired irrespective of his master's service, and ransom from outside cannot be refused. The slave woman who is taken to her master's bed thereby acquires freedom, as also do her children.