Public Administration in Ancient India c6.9

c6.9

“ The inhabitants having abundant means of subsistence exceed in consequence the ordinary stature, and are distinguished by their proud bearing. They are also found to be well skilled in the arts, as might be expected of men who inhale a pure air and drink the very finest water. And while the soil bears on its surface all kinds of fruits which are known to cultivation, it has also underground numerous veins of all sorts of metals, for it contains much gold and silver, and copper and iron in no small quantity, and even tin and other metals, which are employed in making articles of use and ornament, as well as the implements and accoutrements of war. . . . In addition to cereals, there grows throughout India much millet, which is kept well watered by the profusion of river-streams, and much pulse of different sorts, and rice also, and what is called bosphorum, as well as many other plants useful for food, of which most grow spontaneously. . . . It is accordingly affirmed that famine has never visited India, and that there has never been a great scarcity in the supply of nourishing food.”