The Mauryan Polity c10.s3.t2.1

c10.s3.t2.1

In regard to the regulations affecting the foreigners to which the Greek ambassador has referred, we find numerous passages where Kauṭalya asks the officers of the state to show favour to them. For example, while the Superintendent of ships concerned himself with the weather-beaten ships, the Superintendent of Commerce attended to those who dealt in foreign merchandise.¹ Kauṭalya recommends the invitation of foreign traders to settle in the country with a view to foster the trade of the land. These merchants enjoyed certain privileges and could move about freely. They could not be sued in the ordinary courts of law. There were special courts which decided their causes.²