Public Administration in Ancient India c15.84

c15.84

⁴ “Evidence of guilt against a suspected person shall consist in the instruments used, his advisers and abettors, the article stolen, and any intermediaries.” Arthaśāstra, Bk. IV. ch. 8. Vasistha says: “It is declared in the Smriti that there are three kinds of proof which give title to (property, viz.), documents, witnesses, and possession; (thereby) an owner may recover property which formerly belonged to him (but was lost).” He adds: In a dispute about a house or a field, reliance (may be placed on the depositions) of neighbours. If the statements of the neighbours disagree, documents (are) proof. If conflicting documents are produced, reliance (may be placed) on (the statements of) aged (inhabitants) of the village or town, and on (those of) guilds and corporations (of artisans and trades).