The Mauryan Polity c8.s4.t6.1

c8.s4.t6.1

It has been already mentioned that the *Arthaśāstra* mentions four bases of law in the order of their increasing importance: *dharma*, *vyavahāra*, *saṃsthā*, and *rājaśāsana*. Every case was decided on its merits. Generally honest and truthful witnesses were let in to depose. *Śrotriyas*, the king, members of the interested party, degraded criminals, etc., were ineligible to depose as witnesses.¹ Only those who came of an honourable family and whose character had been put to test were eligible. These took the oath in the usual procedure before they were cited as witnesses.² The court allowed them travelling and halting allowances, which appear to have been met by the defeated party.³