Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c8.36

c8.36

Asceticism. Its regulations: He laid down that women should not be converted to Renunciation. Of men, only those who had passed middle age could leave the world, and that only after making adequate provision for their dependents. As they departed from their homes, they must distribute their wealth among their sons. Any violation of these rules brought the penalty known as the first amercement, a pretty heavy fine. Husband and wife, father and son, brother and sister, uncle and nephew, teacher and student, must be faithful to each other and must not desert each other. The movements of ascetic congregations were regulated, probably with a view to mitigating the pressure of their sustenance upon the industrious population. Elders must not depreciate but rather improve the property of their wards, as well as that dedicated to the gods. A fine of twelve paṇas, again, was prescribed for those who omitted to maintain their dependents, whether parents or children, brothers or sisters or wives. But only too frequent were the cases where poverty would defeat all noble instincts. Kautalya, therefore, would provide subsistence to poor, pregnant women and to their new-born offspring. In like manner, pensions were prescribed for the aged and the infirm, the afflicted and the helpless, and to orphans.¹