Arthasastra Discusses Officer Cash Salary
The question asks to identify the earliest text that proposed paying cash salaries to government officers.
The Arthasastra, an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, attributed to Kautilya (or Chanakya), is renowned for its comprehensive coverage of administrative practices.
This text provides detailed accounts of:
- The structure of the state administration.
- Revenue collection methods.
- Expenditure management, including the explicit mention of salaries paid to various officials in cash (rupya).
While other texts like Manu Smriti, Kamandaka Nitisara, and Nitivakyamrita also discuss aspects of governance and law, the Arthasastra is considered the seminal work that first systematically detailed the practice of fixed cash payments as salaries for state officers.
Therefore, the Arthasastra is the correct answer.
Important Questions from Ancient History
Which Gupta emperor, renowned for his military expansion and diplomatic alliances, was the first to issue silver coinage (known as 'Rupaka') in imitation of the Western Kshatrapas, particularly after conquering their territories?
Which of the following archaeological sites is located on the bank of river Mahanadi and has temples/monuments of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism?
Polygynous family is represented by
The following are the archealogical sources of Indian history :
(a) Stone inscriptions
(b) Copper plates
(c) Leaf inscriptions
(d) Pillar inscriptions
Select the correct answer -
Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements:
1) It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene.
2) During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
