Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c8.65

c8.65

Weavers. Weavers of linen or silk, of woollen garments or blankets, or of broad-cloth, were expected to reach the usual standard. If they failed, they must make up for the loss and pay a fine twice the amount.² Washermen should be paid one paṇa for the best garments, half a paṇa for inferior stuff, and one-eighth of a paṇa for rough washing on big stones. They were expected to take the utmost care of the laundry. If they laundered anywhere else than on wooden planks or smooth stones, they should be fined six paṇas, and should pay damages. If they sold, mortgaged, or hired out the clothes of their customers, they were fined twelve paṇas. If guilty of fraudulent substitution of clothes, they must not only restore the originals, but pay a fine twice their value. Fines were, likewise, imposed for delaying the return of laundry longer than one, five, or seven nights, fixed for different cases.³ Rules on similar lines were drawn up for the guidance of goldsmiths, workers, and so forth.