History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c39.s3.18

v1.c39.s3.18

Since the administration was not repressive, the all- pervasive control improved innovation and standardisation in the technical crafts. We find in this period hoards of punch-marked silver coins, well-designed urban layouts (such as at Sisupalgarh), beautifully chiselled sandstone monuments etc. The enlightened administration allowed in a limited and controlled manner, private ownership of land provided it did not have any mineral resource underneath (Kangle, 1986). Partly influenced by the Jaina and Buddhist traditions and partly driven by the expansionist requirements, the state over-ruled caste barriers and allowed the tribal and lower caste people to independently serve army, agriculture and technical crafts (AS. 1.3.8 and 9.2.24).