Studies in Ancient Hindu Polity (Based on the Arthashastra of Kautilya), Vol. I c14.s1.13

c14.s1.13

But whichever meaning is taken, the reference to the unfettered exercise of the will of the parties is apparent in both the cases. करण in the second sentence in (Y) seems to bear the meaning of “document.” अर्थ refers to the object or the अर्थ्य of the contract, and रूप to the circumstances under which a contract is made. This meaning of रूप (circumstances as opposed to the time and place of a contract) is found in Manu, VIII, 45—