The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c10.82

c10.82

Some police officers are in evidence. The nagaraguttika is charged with the arrest and execution of robbers and is once jokingly called ‘king of the night’ (III, 59). The coraghâtaka, ‘slayer of thieves,’ is another similar officer (III, 41, 179). The city, at any rate, has a large police force. Informed of the doings of a daring robber, the king of Benâres orders the city-watch to post bands here and there (III, 437). The police, however, was not altogether above corruption (III, 437 et seq.). Nor was it adequate for all contingencies. In crises the townsfolk would themselves come out and assist in the maintenance of order (V, 502).