Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board
Question
According to Kautilya's Arthashastra, which of the following are correct? Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1.
A person could be a slave as a result of a judicial punishment.
- 2.
If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free.
- 3.
If a son born to a female slave was fathered by her master, the son was entitled to the legal status of the master's son.
Options
1 and 2
2 only
1 and 3
3 only
Explanation
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is technically contested but generally accepted alongside 1 and 2 in standard keys, though the options provided force a choice. Standard analysis supports all three.
Kautilya outlined several ways to become a slave (Dasa), including judicial decree (Statement 1). A female slave who bore her master's child attained automatic emancipation (Statement 2), and the child carried legal rights (Statement 3 is supported by the text). Given the options, Kautilya explicitly protects the mother and child in such unions.
Answer: (a).
Question details
Year
2025
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q60
Subject
Polity
Sub-topic
Constitutional & Statutory Bodies
Type
How-many counting
Difficulty
Medium
Nature
Static
Source hint
Kautilya Arthashastra Legal Framework
Same sub-topic — other years
Constitutional & Statutory Bodies has appeared in multiple papers:
See all questions on Constitutional & Statutory Bodies
Browse every tagged question across all years