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According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which of the following are correct?

  1. 1.A person could be a slave as a result of a judicial punishment.
  2. 2.If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free.
  3. 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.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
▶ Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Kautilya's Arthashastra details various forms of servitude and their implications. Judicial punishment could indeed lead to enslavement. The text also specifies conditions under which a female slave could gain freedom; for instance, bearing a child to her master was one such condition. Furthermore, the Arthashastra clearly states that a son born to a female slave from her master was granted the legal rights and status of the master's own legitimate son.

Source: UPSC gs1 2022

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