Studies in Ancient Hindu Polity (Based on the Arthashastra of Kautilya), Vol. I c3.83

c3.83

with the view not only of levying a tax, but also in order that births and deaths . . . may not escape the cognizance of Government.” The Arthaśāstra also gives details of census operations carried on by officers termed स्थानिक, गोप, etc. [see II, xxxiv, 54–55, and xxxvi, 56].