Studies in Ancient Hindu Polity (Based on the Arthashastra of Kautilya), Vol. I c13.30
Studies in Ancient Hindu Polity (Based on the Arthaśāstra of Kauṭilya), Vol. I c13.30
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c13.30
प्रात्ययिकाः and साक्ष्यः.—It may be that they refer to two distinct classes of witnesses designated by the two names, the most marked attributes of a witness determining the class under which he falls, (राजपुरुष).¹ In cases of assault, etc. (पारुष्य), theft (स्तेय) and rape (संग्रहण), persons other than the enemy, the wife’s brother and the helpmate could bear witness. Any man or woman having secret knowledge of an underhand transaction could be a witness in regard thereto. The king and the ascetics (तापस) were exempted from this rule.