UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2022

According to Kautilya's Arthashastra, which of the following 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. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer

Correct Answer

2 and 3 only

Explanation

Statements 2 and 3 are correct per the Arthashastra — a female slave bearing her master's child became free, and such a son was entitled to the legal status of the master's son. Statement 1, per the official key, is treated as incorrect.

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