Chandragupta Maurya and His Times c11.33

c11.33

Rats. The danger from rats was recognised and measures were taken to destroy them. Cats and mongooses were let loose with penalty to those who would catch them. Poisoned food for rats was also widely distributed. In cases of virulent outbreaks of the plague epidemic, a 'rat-cess' (*mūshika-kara*) was imposed, requiring the owner of each house to trap a fixed number of rats per day [*Ib.*].