Hindu Polity: A Constitutional History of India in Hindu Times c47.8

c47.8

"No wanderers other than men who have reached the hermit stage, no (*samgha*) corporate community—[i.e., the Buddhist Samgha and the like,] other than that of the Sajātas [village people], no union formed on mutual compact other than those of merchants, shall be allowed to establish themselves in the country. Nor shall there be Halls [religious], rest-houses and Vihāras" (Artha-Śāstra).⁵ Men leaving society and becoming monks before they had provided for their family were similarly treated. They were arrested and punished. Only those who had passed the age of manhood were allowed to become monks under the orthodox administration.⁶