Hindu Law and Custom (Recht und Sitte) c8.126

c8.126

Vi. 3,59 ff. casuistically develops the result of the caste distinction in the finder. A Kṣatriya must always give away 1/4 of the treasure trove to the king and 1/4 to the Brahmans; a Vaiśya 1/4 to the king and 1/2 to the Brahmans; a Śudra 5/12 to the king and 5/12 to the Brahmans. The procedure about lost properties which have been found and delivered to the king is connected with these rules; the king can claim a share also of these finds, he can even completely take possession of it after the expiry of a certain period (M. 8,30 ff. etc.). On the other hand he must restore the property uninjured to the legitimate owner which was stolen and was then seized by his police (M. 8,40; Y. 2,36.).