The Mauryan Polity c11.s2.t5.1

c11.s2.t5.1

Fourthly, the other evidence adduced in support of the theory that Candragupta was a Jaina is the *Indika* of Megasthenes and the writings of other Greek writers. The classical writers uniformly speak of Brahmanas and Śramaṇas (also *pravrajitas*). The same is found mentioned in the Edicts of Aśoka.¹ This only demonstrates the esteem and regard which the Brahmana had from the state both as a householder and as an ascetic. This is quite in keeping with the prescription of the *Arthaśāstra* that he was exempted from taxation, confiscation, corporal punishment, death-penalty, etc.² This was because he was expected to perform sacrifices and other rites to avert calamities, providential or otherwise, by use of spells, magic, and incantations. He was to read the omens, and fix the auspicious and inauspicious seasons for various undertakings by the state. He was above all a teacher. In return for these services he was allowed to have the privileges of a rare order. There is no incompatibility between the Kauṭalīya and the account of Megasthenes in this particular.