Age of the Nandas and Mauryas c12.s5.6

c12.s5.6

On the other hand it is only fair to add that the State in these times also took special steps to protect the artisans and merchants. For theft of small articles belonging to artisans and craftsmen, Kauṭilya prescribes (iv. 10) fines as high as 100 paṇas. Elsewhere (iv. 13) he lays down elaborate rules for compensating merchants (*sārthika*) for theft or robbery of their merchandise during their journeys.