History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c12.7

v1.c12.7

According to Kauṭilya’s *Arthaśāstra*, mining and manufacturing industries were the chief sources of income. The importance of mines is stressed in the statement that “the treasury depends on mines and that the earth is conquered by means of treasury and the army” (Kangle, 1965, p.182). The starting of the new mines and the renewal of old discarded ones was an important state activity in charge of *Ākarādhyakṣa*, the director of mining. The qualifications and duties of the *Ākarādhyakṣa* are given as follows :- The *Ākarādhyakṣa* was to be an expert in *sulbaśāstra* (geology) and *dhātuśāstra* (metallurgy). He was to make a survey of all regions where mineral deposits were likely to be found and start new mines and renovate old ones.¹