Studies in Ancient Hindu Polity (Based on the Arthashastra of Kautilya), Vol. I c14.s2.20

c14.s2.20

From the above it appears that the custom of pre-emption among the Hindus dates back to a much more ancient period than is generally supposed, and the advent of the Muhammadans only marks a particular stage in its history. The passages in the Arthaśâstra serve only as evidence of a custom which is much older than the passage itself.¹