The Early History of India, from 600 B.C. to the Muhammadan Conquest, including the Invasion of Alexander the Great c23.45

c23.45

Special attention was devoted to the needs of travellers, who have at all times evoked the sympathy of pious Indians. The provision made for wayfarers, including the dumb animals, which were never forgotten by Asoka, is best described in the monarch's own words: 'On the roads,' he says, 'I have had banyan-trees planted to give shade to man and beast; I have had groves of mango-trees planted; and at every half *kōs* I have had wells dug; rest-houses have been erected; and numerous watering-places have been prepared here and there for the enjoyment of man and beast.'¹ Distances were carefully marked by pillars erected at convenient intervals, ever since Chandragupta's time.