Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v2.c18.s5.t1.12

v2.c18.s5.t1.12

The antiquity of the institution of slavery is clearly indicated in the provision Kauṭilya makes for selling, mortgaging, and maintaining them. "Those who do not heed the claims of their slaves (dāsa), hirelings (āhitaka), and relatives shall be taught their duty"⁴. "The selling or mortgaging by kinsmen of the life of a Śūdra who is not a born slave, and has not attained majority, but is an Ārya in birth shall be punished with a fine of twelve paṇas; of a Vaiśya, twenty-four paṇas; of a Kshatriya, thirty-six paṇas; and of a Brāhman, forty-eight paṇas".⁵