Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c41.5

v2.c41.5

The test starts (1.2.1) with the premise that four types of knowledge—investigative philosophy, Vedic religion, economics and the science of politics — sustained the welfare of the Indian society. *Artha* is the sustenance or livelihood (*vṛttih*) of men. From the word *vṛtti* is obviously derived *vārttā*, the threefold economic activity of agriculture, cattle-rearing and trade (1.4.1). The emerging diversity of arts and crafts (1.3.8; 2.6.2) was also recognised. The means of ensuring the pursuit of philosophy, the Vedic religious life and the economic prosperity is a disciplined and just administration, ever willing to protect the weak and punish the violators of law (1.4.3-16). An ideal state should encourage private initiative, according to the *Arthaśāstra*, but under strict administrative control exercised by a central authority. The section on the tariff of duties and tolls (2.22.1-15) suggests that all spheres of economic activity had to be strictly monitored by the state.