Chandragupta Maurya and His Times c7.81

c7.81

**Precaution Against Poisoning.** The kitchen is carefully guarded and is constructed in a secret place. The food for the king is tested by a multitude of tasters. Examination is made of any traces of poison found in the viands and in the demeanour of the tasters. Medicaments for the king must pass similar tests. Servants in charge of the king’s dresses and toilets must appear bathed, and in washed clothing, to receive the toilet requisites, duly sealed, from the bodyguard in charge of same before applying them on the king. Articles of ornament and apparel are inspected by the king’s maid servants. Cosmetics etc. are first tried on those who apply them. Those who perform physical feats before the king must use appliances which cannot do any harm from fire, poison or any weapon. Musicians will perform before the king on instruments kept in the palace and thus free from any taint of poison. Similarly, even the equipment for horses, chariots and elephants to be used by the king is to be supplied from the palace. The king should have always in attendance physicians and experts in the science of poisons (*Jāṅgalīvids*) [I. 21].