Hindu Administrative Institutions c10.s3.25

c10.s3.25

As regards deposits we have two kinds, open (निक्षेप) and sealed (उपनिविः).² Bṛhaspati defines the latter ‘when chattel enclosed in a cover and marked with a seal is deposited without describing its nature or quantity and without showing it, it is termed an *aupanidhika* deposit.’ It is for the depository to preserve it intact so that it might not be used, damaged or diminished in value. In any of these cases the depositor could seek the aid of law for compensation.³ Special informants were employed to find out the truth as to the honesty or otherwise of the depository. The same rules are applicable to cases relating to pledges (आधि).⁴