Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c11.s5.18

c11.s5.18

A little later Alberūnī states that for heavy theft a Kṣatriya was mutilated) by amputation of the left hand and right foot or right hand and left foot); a Brāhmaṇa was similarly mutilated as well as blinded ; while members of other castes would be put to death. For ordinary theft punishments varied according to circumstances. "Sometimes a punishment of extreme or of middling severity is necessary, sometimes a course of correction and imposing a payment, sometimes only exposing to public shame and ridicule." (Alberūnī, India, tr. Sachau, Vol. II, 161-162.) It is remarkable that neither the general law as laid down by Smṛiti or Nīti writers nor the claims of privilege accord exactly with facts. In the case of one offence, at any rate, Kṣatriyas are better off than Brāhmaṇas. All the same, caste privilege is apparent in practice. Alberūnī devotes a chapter (LXX) on law suits.