Hindu Administrative Institutions c9.s1.100

c9.s1.100

Besides these generally accepted heads of revenue for the state there were others which are seemingly immoral but nevertheless dharmic (moral) from the view point of rāja-dharma whose keynote is protection which depends entirely on a well-furnished treasury. To this end the following methods among others could be adopted according to the Arthaśāstra: (1) contribution from wealthy persons could be requested under the false plea of executing this work, or that. Such of those whose donations were handsome enough were to be honoured with titles and special gifts. (2) Again spies in the disguise of sorcerers could deprive the heretics and even temples of their funds provided the latter are not enjoyed by the śrotriyas. (3) The secretary in charge of religious endowments could collect funds under various items and send them on to the exchequer. (4) The image of a god or an altar might be secretly set up in some place, or an evil-omen might be pointed out and sums may be collected therefrom; also by celebrating festivals or festivities. (5) By pointing to untimely fruits and flowers in the sacred trees of the palace-garden, the king might cite it as an evil omen, to avert which he might raise enormous wealth by big processions in honour of gods. (6) He might again set up a man in secret in the hidden portion of a tree, and announce the arrival of an evil spirit, to propitiate which he could gather wealth from the public. (7) He could collect a number of precious and rare beings such as a serpent with several heads, and set them up for public exhibition and thus realize some wealth. (8) Special spies might offer a drink of anæsthetic ingredients, make people temporarily insensate and, offer remedial measures for which money could be collected. (9) Spies might deprive merchants, goldsmiths, of their illegetimate earnings in the disguise of partners. (10) If a quarrel arose among two seditionists, prostitute spies or poisoners could administer poison to one, accuse the other of the guilt, and deprive both of their property.¹