Chandragupta Maurya and His Times c11.76

c11.76

"On one important point Kauṭilya supplies information which supplements Megasthenes very considerably. This is with regard to the Board of Shipping. The Port Commissioner supervised sea and river-traffic, and ferries. Fishermen, merchants, and travellers, were all subjected to taxation and the ferries were in the hands of the Government. The foods were guarded by pickets who prevented suspects from entering or leaving. It was the duty of the Harbour Masters to assist ships in distress, and of those in charge of the ferries, to see that they were not used when the river was in a dangerous state.