The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c14.106

c14.106

In Kauṭalya the state itself appears as the biggest of all business concerns. Details apart, the theory probably reflects a fact. There are some small states even to-day, for instance, in Central India, which stand forth as business corporations to supplement their regular revenue. The proceeds from the crown lands and such of the revenue as was paid in kind are likely to have formed a vast store. The land or ‘ocean’ mines would yield large quantities of salt, pearls, precious stones and metals. The forests would yield valuable timbers, fire-wood, fodder, and various animal products--teeth and tusks, bones, horns, hides and so forth. There seem to have been some state-monopolies. Besides, there were factories of oils, etc., which employed large numbers of men and women. The stores and factories were under the charge of the Koṣṭhāgāra. The sale of raw produce or manufactured articles belonging to the state was managed by a superintendent who fixed the markets, prices and so on, or by Koṣṭhāgāra who also regulated barter, etc.¹ The state is to own ships and boats and ply them on hire at fixed rates.²