📘 Glossary: Social Roles in Kautilya’s Arthashastra
| Role | Definition in Arthashastra | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Amatya | Minister or administrator | Appointed based on merit and loyalty; critical to governance |
| Dharma-Stha | Judges | Enforced civil & religious law; part of justice system |
| Karmika | Laborers or artisans | Regulated work and wages; punishments for breach of contracts |
| Kula | Family or clan unit | Unit of society; importance in lineage and inheritance |
| Dasas (Slaves) | Persons bound in service | Acquired via war, punishment, debt, or voluntarily |
| Mleccha | Foreigners/non-Vedic people | Generally outside varna system but protected under law |
| Yoddha | Soldier/warrior | Received land or salary; bound by strict discipline |
| Gopa & Sthanikas | Local village & city officials | Revenue collection and public order enforcement |
| Prajapati | Head of a village | Responsible for census, tax collection, and order |
⚖️ Comparison: Slavery in Arthashastra vs Manusmriti
| Aspect | Arthashastra (Kautilya) | Manusmriti (Manu) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin of Slavery | War, debt, punishment, birth, or voluntary | Mostly birth-based (by caste); hereditary |
| Female Slave’s Rights | Gains freedom if she bears master’s son | Remains a slave regardless; limited rights |
| Legitimacy of Children | Son of female slave & master = legitimate | Often considered asprishya (untouchable) or illegitimate |
| Manumission (Freedom) | Encouraged; detailed process | Rare; caste rigidness limits upward mobility |
| Treatment | Humane treatment enforced by law | Submissive status prescribed with restrictions |
| Role in Economy | Workforce, artisans, agricultural labor | Primarily domestic or menial roles |
| Judicial Protection | Can appeal; master punished for abuse | No clear protection mechanisms for slaves |
🧠 Summary Table for UPSC Revision:
| Theme | Arthashastra | Manusmriti |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility in Status | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Rights of Female Slaves | ✅ Recognized | ❌ Denied |
| Child’s Legitimacy | ✅ Legal heir | ❌ Illegitimate |
| Emphasis on Dharma or Utility | ⚖️ Utility & State Order | 📜 Dharma & Varna Hierarchy |
