Studies in Ancient Hindu Polity (Based on the Arthashastra of Kautilya), Vol. I c3.89

c3.89

In conclusion, I should also note that some of the technical and peculiar words of the *Arthaśāstra* which were current in its times have been used in the Edicts of Asoka which, according to the theory discussed here, belong to a later age. These are: युता [Rock Ed. III], equivalent to युक्ता: of Kauṭilya (p. 57); राजुका [R. Ed. III], corresponding to रज्जुक in चोररज्जुक of Kauṭilya (p. 232); पाषण्डेषु [R. Ed. V, etc.], which occurs in Kauṭilya (p. 144 and elsewhere); समाज [R. Ed. I], which corresponds to समाज in the phrase उत्सवसमाज of Kauṭilya (p. 121); महामाता [R. Ed. XII], which is equivalent to महामात्र of Kauṭilya (p. 58 and elsewhere), and the like. Among the institutions which are referred to both in Kauṭilya and the Edicts may be mentioned (1) the exemption from slaughter of certain animals and birds specially mentioned both in the Edicts and the *Arthaśāstra*, e.g. चक्रवाक्, शुक, सारिका, हंस, दात्यूह, etc. [R. Ed. V, and Kauṭilya, p. 122]; (2) the zenana system, or the seclusion of women, which is indicated by the word ओरोधने, [R. Ed. V], and is also referred to in Kauṭilya (p. 147) in the words “स्त्रीणामनिकासिनीनाम्,” and also in the chapter सूत्राध्यक्ष of Book II; (3) the planting of medicinal herbs, and fruit-trees along roads, as also the digging of wells as works of public utility, which are mentioned both in the Edicts [e.g. R. Ed. II and Pillar Ed. VII] and Kauṭilya (p. 56 and elsewhere).