The Political Institutions and Theories of the Hindus: A Study in Comparative Politics c11.t25.9

c11.t25.9

It might seem as if the Empire intended almost to place an embargo on foreign import. But there were certain tendencies in the fiscal policy of the Mauryas in regard to international trade that should indicate a different character of the tariff. The protective duties were high indeed but they were not intended to be "prohibitive". Rather, on the other hand, there was a deliberate attempt on the part of the authorities to encourage foreign imports. They regulated the prices⁵ in such a manner that a reasonable profit was assured to the dealer in imported goods. And if necessary, special instructions were issued to the proper officials to accord concessions in certain particulars to foreign merchants. Under these conditions it is doubtful if the Maurya tariff should be considered as "protective" in any significant sense. In any case its character as a measure for revenue purposes is unquestionable.