An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c8.s2.1

v1.c8.s2.1

A seal is a stamp bearing a device or letter(s) or both pertaining to its owner, while its impression on any material is called sealing. The purpose of a sealing is to authenticate or serve as signature or quality mark; it also served as a token, passport, talisman, amulet and votive offering. Literature abounds in references to seals in the form of signet rings. Kauṭilya's *Arthaśāstra* enjoins the sealing of goods by trades and prescribes fines for unsealed goods or those marked with forged seals and also refers to seal impressions used as passports.