Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c11.97

c11.97

The *Arthaśāstra* is the earliest Indian text which lays down general rules regarding the relation between the employers and the employees. Artisans are regarded as a source of trouble, against which several measures are provided in the section on the *kārukara-rakṣaṇam*. The artisans must fulfil their engagements as to time, place and form of work. Failure in this respect, except when due to "troubles and calamities", shall involve not only the forfeiture of a quarter of their wages, but also a fine twice the amount of wages and the payment of damages into the bargain.¹ The violation of instructions in the course of work shall be punished with the forfeiture of wages and a fine twice the amount.² A servant, who neglects his work, for which pre-payment has been made, shall be fined 12 paṇas and be made to work till his job is finished.³ He will not be, however, subjected to such a fine if he is incapable of doing work due to reasons beyond his control.⁴ On the other hand Kauṭilya also lays down certain regulations protecting the artisans. Thus those who seek to deprive the artisans of their just earnings, by minimising the quality of their work or obstructing the sale and purchase of gods, shall be fined a thousand paṇas.⁵ An employer not taking work from his labourer shall be fined 12 paṇas,⁶ and if he refuses to take work without any sufficient grounds, the work will be taken as done.⁷ Kauṭilya concedes one privilege to the artisans who are organised into guilds. They can have a grace of seven nights over and above the period agreed upon for executing the contract.⁸