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?

(a) 1 and 2 only                 

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only                 

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answers: b

Explanation:

●        The  Arthashastra,  has a very detailed discussion of dasa (slaves) and ahitakas (those pledged to creditors when contracting a debt)

●        In Arthashastra there is a reference to slaves in the service of private individuals as well as the state.

●        There is reference to the manumission of slaves on payment of a sum of Money in Arthashastra

●        Kautiulya also states that if a dasi bore her master a son, she was released from enslavement, and the child was considered the father’s legitimate son.

●        Ashokas’s rock edict 9 mentions courteous behaviour towards dasa and bhatakas (bhritakas , i.e. servants) as part of dhamma.

Hence, statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Read: Previous Year UPSC History Questions (PYQs) With Explanation 2022