Hindu Administrative Institutions c12.s6.36

c12.s6.36

Kauṭalya speaks of a nāgaraka or the superintendent of the city which was protected on all four sides at the entrance by sthānikas or sentinels—armed men who reported to the authorities concerned the movements of enemies or other undesirables. The duties of the nāgaraka were onerous. He examined every day the water-reservoirs, roads, secret passages, fortresses, and other defensive works. He kept in his custody things stolen or lost, to be returned to the owners on their claim. He could set free a child, the old, the diseased and others by taking compensation. Other prisoners were liberated on the king's birthday or full moon days. The jail regulations are also given in sufficient detail.³