[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [Minerals and Metals in Ancient India](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996) › v2.c41.5 # Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c41.5 Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c41.5 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c41.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.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. - [Previous: v2.c41.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c41.4) - [Next: v2.c41.s1.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c41.s1.1) - [Up: v2.c41](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c41) ## Cites (1) - [Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra](https://indike.org/pramana/in.niti.artha.kautilya.1.2.1) — Kauṭilya, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c41.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c41.5) · Pramāṇa