Age of the Nandas and Mauryas c9.s34.7

c9.s34.7

The third class, shepherds and hunters, lived a nomadic life in forests, cleared the land of wild beasts, birds that devour seeds sown, and other pests, received an allowance of corn from the king for the service, and paid him tribute in cattle. The fourth class of artisans and traders paid taxes from their earnings, except armourers and shipwrights who received subsidies. The *fifth* class, warriors, less numerous only than the cultivators lived a life of ease and enjoyment in peace; they received a handsome pay out of which they maintained all the servants they required for cleaning their arms, keeping their horses, driving their elephants and chariots and attending on them at home and in camp. The sixth class evidently includes both officials openly employed for the supervision of the work of the different departments, the *Mahāmātras* and *Adhyakshas*, and the numerous spies (assisted by the courtesans) who were engaged in the constant communication of secret information about all men and things to the king and, in republics, to the magistrates.