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The Mauryan Polity c8.s3.t12: Some more items of expenditure

The Mauryan Polity c8.s3.t12

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Some more items of expenditure

c8.s3.t12.1

Closely connected with these are the sociological functions which entailed also an appreciable expenditure. Under this category mention may be made of educational grants and educational pensions. In the *Arthaśāstra* while the *śrotriyas* were teachers of the sacred branches of learning, the *ācāryas*, *vidyāvantas*, *vaktāraḥ*, and *prayoktāraḥ* were the other teachers imparting instruction in scientific and technical arts including practical training. Students including those from the artistocratic classes flocked to the cottages of these teachers which were the seats of learning. There was no fixed salary paid to them. But generally the state endowed them with gifts of lands tax-free called *brahmadeya*, and sometimes with *agrahāras* with the sole right of enjoyment. Occasional gifts of money were not uncommon. Teachers who were in charge of secular branches of learning got pensions ranging from 500 to 1000 *paṇas* each according to his worth.¹

c8.s3.t12.2

¹ āryayuktārohakamaṇavakāśailakhanakāssarvopasthāyina ācāryā vidyāvantaśca pūjāvetanāni yathārham labheran pañcaśatāvaram sahasraparam|—Ar. Śās., Bk. V, ch. 3.

c8.s3.t12.3

The state extended its hospitality in different other ways the object being the *lokayātrā* of the world. Provision was made to the families wherein the earning member had given up his life in war for the sake of the country. To avert distress and suffering, hospitals for man and beast were founded throughout the empire. The State administered to the general health of the community and its moral progress.

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