[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989) › v1.c8.s2.1 # An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c8.s2.1 An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c8.s2.1 - **Language:** English ### [v1.c8.s2.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.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. - [Previous: v1.c8.s1.t4.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c8.s1.t4.2) - [Next: v1.c8.s2.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c8.s2.2) - [Up: v1.c8.s2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c8.s2) ## Linked texts (1) - [Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra](https://indike.org/pramana/in.niti.artha.kautilya) — Kauṭilya, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c8.s2.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c8.s2.1) · Pramāṇa