Economics of Kautiliya Shukra and Brihaspati.pmd
Economics of Kautiliya Shukra and Brihaspati.pmd
Economics of Kautiliya Shukra and Brihaspati.pmd
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
judged through the process prescribed. Unauthorized entry into<br />
Akshashala was punishable. All worker were checked thoroughly while<br />
entering <strong>and</strong> leaving the factory. Any body found stealing gold was<br />
severely punished.(<strong>Kautiliya</strong> Arthashastram, ibid)<br />
Armaments were manufactured in the factories set up by the<br />
state. Te <strong>of</strong>ficer-in-charge <strong>of</strong> armors was responsible for state. The<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficer in charge <strong>of</strong> armours was responsible for manufacturing <strong>and</strong><br />
safe custody <strong>of</strong> all types <strong>of</strong> weapons list <strong>of</strong> the equipments <strong>and</strong><br />
instruments to be stored at one place is given. This is to facilitate the<br />
use <strong>of</strong> these items without losing time to search. Manufacturing process<br />
<strong>and</strong> details about raw materials are also described. (ibid) Kautilya<br />
gives much importance to mines by saying that the revenue obtained<br />
from mines is the basis <strong>of</strong> territory <strong>and</strong> army organization. Therefore<br />
treasury is the ornament <strong>of</strong> a country. 2 In the words <strong>of</strong> Kautilya- The<br />
treasury has its source in the mines; from the treasury the army comes<br />
into being. With treasury <strong>and</strong> the army the earth is obtained with the<br />
treasury ornament. (<strong>Kautiliya</strong> Arthashastra-2, 2003, 2.12.36)<br />
Physical Features used for Mineral Identification<br />
<strong>Kautiliya</strong> Arthashastra deals with examination <strong>of</strong> the precious<br />
articles to be received into the treasury in detail. The Superintendent <strong>of</strong><br />
Treasury is entrusted with the responsibility <strong>of</strong> receiving jewels, articles<br />
<strong>of</strong> high value, articles <strong>of</strong> small value, forest produce etc. The said<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficial is also required to preside over the bureau <strong>of</strong> experts in various<br />
lines <strong>and</strong> hence is expected to be well versed in the qualitative characters<br />
trading techniques assessment valuation etc. <strong>of</strong> the materials to be<br />
taken in the treasury as the wealth <strong>of</strong> the ruler. The sutras 2-5, 28-42<br />
<strong>and</strong> sutras 17 <strong>of</strong> chapter 12 <strong>of</strong> second book elucidate the characters,<br />
properties sources identification purity acceptability <strong>and</strong> values <strong>of</strong> the<br />
57<br />
gems- mainly pearl, diamond, ruby, beryl, sapphire <strong>and</strong> coral <strong>and</strong> semi<br />
precious stones. Sutras 7-27 are devoted to the description <strong>of</strong> different<br />
types <strong>of</strong> strong made up <strong>of</strong> pearl <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong>ten studded with gems. Nuber<br />
<strong>of</strong> enumerative sutras are presented in the table 4.3.<br />
Table 4.3. Enumerative Sutras Related with Metallurgy<br />
Process <strong>and</strong> Method Enumerative Sutras<br />
Concentration Book 2 chapter 12 sutra 2,3<br />
Book 2 chapter 12 sutra 20 - 24<br />
Pyrometallurgy Book 2 chapter 12 sutra 5, 6 <strong>and</strong> 11<br />
Book 2 chapter 1,2, 7,9,10,13,49<br />
Hydrometallurgy Book 2 chapter 12 sutra 8-11<br />
Refining Book 2 chapter 12 sutra 8 9 10 11<br />
Alloys <strong>and</strong> Book 2 chapter 12 sutra 23, 24<br />
metal working Book 2 chapter 13 sutra 4, 5 25-27, 37<br />
Book 2 chapter 14 sutra 17, 20-43<br />
Source: Sharma, 2000 : 70-71<br />
The above introduction about various gems has been classified<br />
with respect to the following parameters.<br />
1.Identification <strong>of</strong> minerals/gems based on colour, luster, shape<br />
<strong>and</strong> hardness<br />
2.Defects which reduce the value <strong>of</strong> gems<br />
3.Source-origin <strong>and</strong> place <strong>of</strong> occurrence<br />
Prospecting, Mining <strong>and</strong> Metallurgy<br />
Mining industry belongs to three fundamental stepsprospecting,<br />
mining <strong>and</strong> metallurgy. All steps have been expalined in<br />
<strong>Kautiliya</strong> Arthashastra. In the treatise use <strong>of</strong> metals is seen mostly in<br />
crafts <strong>of</strong> ornament making mining coins, weapons (Book 2 chapter<br />
19). With other minerals the shilajit (bitumen) also has been described<br />
58