The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c20.16

c20.16

If a man other than a Brāhmaṇa or a Kṣatriya killed a man of his own caste, he had to perform expiation and undergo an exemplary punishment. For theft the punishment varied according to the value of the objects stolen. “If the object is very great, the kings blind a Brāhmaṇa and mutilate him, cutting off his left hand and right foot, or the right hand and left foot, whilst they mutilate a Kṣatriya without blinding him, and kill thieves of the other castes.” A woman, guilty of adultery, was driven from home and exiled.¹